kleptomaniac

/,kleptou'meiniæk/

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Word: Kleptomaniac

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A kleptomaniac is someone who has a strong and uncontrollable desire to steal things, even when they don’t need them and don’t have a reason to steal. This urge is not about wanting money or things; it's more of a psychological condition.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "kleptomaniac" to describe someone who steals because they feel a compulsion to do so, rather than for practical reasons like poverty or need.
• This word is often used in psychological contexts or discussions about behavior.

Example Sentence:

• "Even though she had plenty of money, Sarah was a kleptomaniac who couldn't resist taking small items from stores."

Advanced Usage:

• In psychology, kleptomania is considered a mental health disorder. When discussing it in more formal terms, you can refer to "kleptomania" as the condition itself, while "kleptomaniac" describes the person experiencing that condition.

Word Variants:

• Kleptomania (noun): The condition of being a kleptomaniac.
• Kleptomaniacal (adjective): Describing someone who has the characteristics of a kleptomaniac.

Different Meanings:

• The word "kleptomaniac" specifically refers to the psychological urge to steal. It is not used to describe someone who steals out of necessity or for financial gain.

Synonyms:

• Thief (but this is more general and doesn’t imply the psychological condition)
• Stealer (less formal)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "kleptomaniac," but you might encounter phrases about "taking things that don't belong to you" or "having sticky fingers," which refer to stealing in a more casual way.

Summary:

In summary, a "kleptomaniac" is someone who feels an uncontrollable urge to steal, not for practical reasons but due to a psychological condition.

Academic

Noun

1. someone with an irrational urge to steal in the absence of an economic motive