noun

kleptomania

klep-tuh-MAY-nee-uh

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Kleptomania (noun) means a psychological disorder that causes a repeated, uncontrollable urge to steal, without any real financial or material need. Example: “Her kleptomania meant she stole small items she didn't even need.”

noun

clinical A psychological disorder that causes a repeated, uncontrollable urge to steal, without any real financial or material need.

"Her kleptomania meant she stole small items she didn't even need."

"Kleptomania is treated as a genuine psychological disorder, not simple dishonesty."

"He was diagnosed with kleptomania after years of compulsive shoplifting."

How to use kleptomania

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA compulsive, irresistible urge to steal things you don't actually need.

When to use it

Kleptomania is a clinical term also used in everyday descriptions of compulsive stealing.

Memory tip

Remember that kleptomania describes an urge to steal, not stealing carried out for profit or need.

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Common pairings

diagnosed with kleptomania suffer from kleptomania a form of kleptomania

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ meant she stole small items she didn't even need.

Etymology

Kleptomania combines the Ancient Greek verb for stealing with the suffix -mania, which denotes an obsessive urge. Together the parts describe an uncontrollable compulsion to steal.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for kleptomania

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia Zambia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia

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Frequently asked questions

What is kleptomania?

Kleptomania is a psychological disorder in which someone feels a repeated, uncontrollable urge to steal, even when they don't need or want the items taken.

Is kleptomania the same as being a thief?

No, kleptomania is a recognised disorder rather than theft carried out for gain; the stealing is driven by an irresistible impulse rather than need.

Where does the word kleptomania come from?

It combines an Ancient Greek word meaning to steal with the suffix -mania, which points to an obsessive urge.

What is the meaning of kleptomania?

"kleptomania" (noun) means a psychological disorder that causes a repeated, uncontrollable urge to steal, without any real financial or material need.