Definition

Noun: A person who suffers from pyromania, a mental disorder characterized by an irresistible impulse to start fires. This is not for practical gain (like insurance fraud) or as an act of vandalism, but is driven by a pathological fascination with fire and the act of setting fires.

Usage

The word "pyromaniac" is a clinical and descriptive term. It is used in psychology, criminology, and general reporting to describe an individual with this specific condition. - It functions as a countable noun. - It often carries a serious, diagnostic connotation and should be used with care to avoid trivializing the disorder.

Examples

• The investigators determined the arsonist was not a vandal but a pyromaniac driven by a compulsive need.
• Treatment for a pyromaniac focuses on behavioral therapy and impulse control.
• He was diagnosed as a pyromaniac after several incidents of setting small, purposeless fires.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical vs. Colloquial Use: In clinical settings, "pyromaniac" refers to someone meeting specific diagnostic criteria. Colloquially, it is sometimes misused to describe anyone who starts fires or loves fire, which dilutes its precise meaning.
• "Pyromaniacal" (Adjective): The related adjective form, though less common, describes behaviors or impulses characteristic of a pyromaniac.
  • The suspect exhibited pyromaniacal tendencies.

Variants and Related Words

• Pyromania (n): The mental disorder itself.
  • Pyromania is classified as an impulse control disorder.
• Arsonist (n): A broader term for a person who illegally sets fires, which may include pyromaniacs but also includes those who set fires for profit, revenge, or other motives.
• Firebug (n): An informal, often derogatory term for a person who sets fires, especially habitually.

Synonyms

• Firestarter: A more neutral, descriptive term that does not imply a clinical diagnosis.
• Incendiary: Can refer to a person who deliberately sets fires, often with a connotation of malicious intent or to cause unrest.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To have a pyromaniac's delight": An informal, figurative phrase describing a situation with an excessive or dangerously exciting amount of fire or flammable material. (Note: This is not a standard clinical term but a creative metaphorical use).
  • The dry forest during the festival was a pyromaniac's delight.

Noun

1. a person with a mania for setting things on fire