: a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebNot 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
Word History
Etymology
New Latin
First Known Use
1830, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
kleptomania
noun
klep·to·ma·nia ˌklep-tə-ˈmā-nē-ə, -nyə
: a persistent neurotic impulse to steal especially without economic motive