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kleptomaniac

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "kleptomaniac": A kleptomaniac is a person suffering from a psychological disorder characterized by a recurrent, unc

What does "kleptomaniac" mean?

A kleptomaniac is a person suffering from a psychological disorder characterized by a recurrent, uncontrollable urge to steal items, typically those that are not needed for personal use or monetary gain. The mental image is not of a common thief seeking profit, but of someone acting on a compulsive, almost reflexive impulse that bypasses logical decision-making. In common usage, the term is often used loosely or even hyperbolically to describe someone who has a "sticky-fingered" habit of taking small things that don't belong to them. While the clinical term refers to a specific impulse-control disorder, in casual conversation, it is frequently employed to tease friends who habitually "borrow" pens, lighters, or small trinkets without asking.

"kleptomaniac" in conversation

Noticing a missing item

Hey, have you seen my favorite pen? I left it right here.

Hey, have you seen my favorite pen? I left it right here.

Oh, that? I think I accidentally pocketed it. Sorry, I'm a bit of a kleptomaniac with office supplies.

Oh, that? I think I accidentally pocketed it. Sorry, I'm a bit of a kleptomaniac with office supplies.

Used here in a lighthearted, self-deprecating way to excuse absent-minded theft.

Discussing a character in a show

The plot twist was wild—the main character was a kleptomaniac the whole time!

The plot twist was wild—the main character was a kleptomaniac the whole time!

I know! It explains why she had so many random trinkets hidden in her desk drawer.

I know! It explains why she had so many random trinkets hidden in her desk drawer.

Used here to describe a character trait that explains mysterious behavior in a narrative.

"kleptomaniac" in a sentence

  1. He realized he was a kleptomaniac when he started stealing things he didn't even want.

    He realized he was a kleptomaniac when he started stealing things he didn't even want.

  2. The psychologist diagnosed him with a form of kleptomania after reviewing his compulsive habits.

    The psychologist diagnosed him with a form of kleptomania after reviewing his compulsive habits.

  3. Despite his wealth and status, his kleptomaniac tendencies often led him into humiliating legal entanglements.

    Despite his wealth and status, his kleptomaniac tendencies often led him into humiliating legal entanglements.

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