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Kleptomaniac: meaning, definitions and examples

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kleptomaniac

 

[ ˌklɛp.təˈmeɪ.ni.æk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mental health

A kleptomaniac is a person who has a recurrent urge to steal, typically without regard for need or profit. This impulse-control disorder often leads the individual to steal items that are not valuable or necessary, driven by emotional triggers rather than material gain. The behavior is considered compulsive, and kleptomaniacs may feel a sense of pleasure or relief after stealing.

Synonyms

shoplifter, stealer, thief

Examples of usage

  • The kleptomaniac couldn't help but take the pen from the store.
  • Despite having enough money, her kleptomaniac tendencies drove her to shoplift.
  • Therapy helped the kleptomaniac learn to manage her urges and avoid theft.

Translations

Translations of the word "kleptomaniac" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cleptomaníaco

🇮🇳 चोरी करने वाला

🇩🇪 Kleptomane

🇮🇩 kleptomania

🇺🇦 клептоман

🇵🇱 kleptoman

🇯🇵 窃盗症の人

🇫🇷 kleptomane

🇪🇸 cleptómano

🇹🇷 kleptomani

🇰🇷 절도광

🇸🇦 مُختَلِس

🇨🇿 kleptoman

🇸🇰 kleptoman

🇨🇳 盗窃狂

🇸🇮 kleptoman

🇮🇸 kleptómana

🇰🇿 клетомания

🇬🇪 კლეპტომანი

🇦🇿 kleptomaniya

🇲🇽 cleptómano

Word origin

The term 'kleptomaniac' derives from the Greek words 'kleptein,' meaning 'to steal,' and 'mania,' meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy.' It was first used in the late 19th century, reflecting the growing recognition of stealing as a psychological issue rather than just criminal behavior. The condition was studied more extensively in the early 20th century as the field of psychology evolved. Through various studies, the understanding of kleptomania has developed, leading to its classification as a distinct impulse control disorder in diagnostic manuals. Despite its serious implications, kleptomania is often misunderstood and stigmatized, with many believing those afflicted are simply criminally inclined rather than struggling with a genuine psychological issue.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,137, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.