kleptomania

noun

klep·​to·​ma·​nia ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ə How to pronounce kleptomania (audio)
-nyə
: a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive

Examples of kleptomania in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Not all our spelling woes are due to the kleptomania of the English lexicon. James Harbeck, The Week, 17 Jan. 2022 The play takes the time to introduce their respective demons — alcoholism, kleptomania and violence, among them — then moves on with little resolution. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kleptomania.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

klepto- + -mania

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kleptomania was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near kleptomania

Cite this Entry

“Kleptomania.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kleptomania. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

kleptomania

noun
klep·​to·​ma·​nia ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ə How to pronounce kleptomania (audio)
-nyə
: a continuous abnormal desire to steal

Medical Definition

kleptomania

noun
klep·​to·​ma·​nia ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ə, -nyə How to pronounce kleptomania (audio)
: a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive

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