kleptomaniac
|klep/to/ma/ni/ac|
🇺🇸
/ˌklɛptəˈmeɪniˌæk/
🇬🇧
/ˌklɛptəˈmeɪniæk/
impulse to steal
Etymology
'kleptomaniac' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kleptes,' where 'klepto-' meant 'to steal' and 'mania' meant 'madness or frenzy.'
'kleptes' transformed into the French word 'kleptomane,' and eventually became the modern English word 'kleptomaniac' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'madness for stealing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person with an impulse to steal.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who has an irresistible impulse to steal, stemming from emotional disturbance rather than economic need.
The kleptomaniac couldn't resist taking the small trinket from the store.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/12 15:56