kleptomaniac

noun

klep·​to·​ma·​ni·​ac ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ˌak How to pronounce kleptomaniac (audio)
: a person evidencing kleptomania

Examples of kleptomaniac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Joined by a kleptomaniac fox (Awkwafina), a brusque pangolin (Ke Huy Quan) and a trio of ferocious little bunnies, Po sets out to defeat a sorcerer named the Chameleon (Viola Davis). Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 This begs the question: What drives kleptomaniacs to commit acts of theft even with possible negative consequences? Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 The book, which chronicles the exploits of a kinky kleptomaniac, has been optioned for the screen, but has stalled due to the strikes. Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Sep. 2023 At its center was a young charming illiterate kleptomaniac — a hero for the times — Steve Jones, who became in his own words, the 94th greatest guitarist of all time. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2022 Jimmy Kimmel Live's impersonation was the most realistic, as Kimmel chased a kleptomaniac, questions-dodging Santos (Nelson Franklin) through the halls of Congress. Peter Weber, The Week, 23 Jan. 2023 The theft was not the first for the young film critic, who was known to be a kleptomaniac, stealing from cafes, the homes of friends and acquaintances and even from his grandfather’s book collection. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Sep. 2022 Here’s your helpful hint: Breaking Bad’s kleptomaniac character stole one of these to give as a gift at a baby shower. Erik Kain, Forbes, 26 May 2022 Sasha had been a f---up all the way into her thirties: a kleptomaniac who'd managed to pilfer countless items from countless people over countless years. Seija Rankin, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kleptomaniac.' 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

kleptomania + -ac, after maniac entry 1

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kleptomaniac was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near kleptomaniac

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

kleptomaniac

noun
klep·​to·​ma·​ni·​ac ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ˌak How to pronounce kleptomaniac (audio)
: a person who exhibits kleptomania

Medical Definition

kleptomaniac

noun
klep·​to·​ma·​ni·​ac -nē-ˌak How to pronounce kleptomaniac (audio)
: an individual exhibiting kleptomania

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