What does kleptomaniac mean?
A kleptomaniac is a person who suffers from kleptomania, a psychological disorder characterized by a recurring failure to resist urges to steal items, even though such actions are often harmful to the individual and result in significant distress. Kleptomaniacs typically steal not for personal gain or to alleviate financial need but due to an irresistible compulsion. This condition is recognized in various psychiatric classifications, including the DSM. The term is often misused in casual contexts to describe habitual thieves, but accurately it denotes a specific medical condition. Understanding kleptomania and its impact is crucial for providing appropriate support and treatment to those affected.
nounA person who has a recurring inability to resist stealing, typically as a result of a psychological disorder.
- A person with kleptomania, characterized by recurring urges to steal.
"The kleptomaniac was caught by security guards for shoplifting."
"The kleptomaniac's actions were not motivated by financial need but by compulsion."
"Kleptomaniacs often experience feelings of guilt and shame after stealing."
The plural form is used when referring to multiple individuals with the condition.
"The support group consisted of several kleptomaniacs sharing their experiences."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of kleptomaniac
The word kleptomaniac originates from the Greek words 'kleptos', meaning thief, and 'mania', meaning madness or compulsion. Kleptomania, the condition described, was first identified and named in the 19th century. The term has since been used to describe both the condition and individuals afflicted with it.
How kleptomaniac is actually used
The term kleptomaniac is often used informally to describe someone who frequently takes things that don't belong to them, but technically it refers specifically to individuals with a diagnosed psychological condition.