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Pyromania Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pyromania

[ˌpaɪrəˈmeɪniə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mental disorder

Pyromania is a psychological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to set fires. Individuals with this condition often derive pleasure or relief from the act of setting and watching fires. It is classified as a type of impulse control disorder in psychiatric literature.

Synonyms

arson addiction, fire-setting disorder.

Examples of usage

  • He was diagnosed with pyromania after the fire incident.
  • Pyromania can lead to severe legal consequences.
  • Medical professionals often recommend therapy for those suffering from pyromania.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People with this disorder may experience a sense of thrill or satisfaction from watching fires burn.
  • It is classified as an impulse control disorder, similar to behaviors like kleptomania or compulsive gambling.
  • Not everyone who starts fires is a pyromaniac; the disorder involves a recurrent pattern of behavior.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, fire has been both a tool for survival and a source of destruction; pyromania highlights the darker side of this fascination.
  • Famous cases of arson in history often included individuals with pyromania, leading to public fear and stringent laws.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often depict pyromaniacs as villains, exploring the psychology behind their actions, such as in thrillers and horror films.
  • In some comic books, superheroes and villains with fire-related abilities showcase a cultural fascination with both destruction and control of fire.

Legal Ramifications

  • Starting a fire when it puts others in danger can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment.
  • Treatment for pyromania can involve therapy or counseling, but ensuring public safety is a primary concern.

Origin of 'pyromania'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek words 'pyros' meaning fire and 'mania' meaning madness.
  • It was first used in the early 20th century in the field of psychology to describe an impulse control disorder.

The term 'pyromania' derives from the combination of the Greek word 'pyro' (πῦρ), meaning 'fire', and the suffix '-mania', from the Greek 'mania' (μανία), which means 'madness' or 'frenzy'. The word came into use in the late 19th century in psychiatric contexts to describe individuals who exhibited an obsessive compulsion to start fires. The concept was introduced in the medical literature to better understand the motivations behind such behaviors and to classify it within psychological disorders. Over time, pyromania has been studied extensively, and it has been recognized as a serious mental health issue that requires attention and treatment, distinguishing it from other criminal behaviors like arson, which may be motivated by financial gain or revenge. This differentiation is crucial for proper diagnosis and intervention.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,471, 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.