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kleptomania
noun
klep·to·ma·nia
ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ə
-nyə
: a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive
Examples of kleptomania in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Not all our spelling woes are due to the kleptomania of the English lexicon.
—James Harbeck, The Week, 17 Jan. 2022
The play takes the time to introduce their respective demons — alcoholism, kleptomania and violence, among them — then moves on with little resolution.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kleptomania.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1830, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to kleptomania
Dictionary Entries Near kleptomania
Cite this Entry
“Kleptomania.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kleptomania. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
kleptomania
noun
klep·to·ma·nia
ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ə
-nyə
: a continuous abnormal desire to steal
Medical Definition
kleptomania
noun
klep·to·ma·nia
ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ə, -nyə
: a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive
More from Merriam-Webster on kleptomania
Nglish: Translation of kleptomania for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kleptomania
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