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kleptomania

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.03 sec.
klep·to·ma·ni·a  (klpt-mn-, -mny)
n.
An obsessive impulse to steal regardless of economic need.
[Greek kleptein, to steal + -mania.]
klepto·mani·ac (-n-k) n.
klepto·ma·nia·cal (-m-n-kl) adj.
kleptomania
Noun
Psychol a strong impulse to steal [Greek kleptein to steal + mania madness]
kleptomaniac n
kleptomania, cleptomania
Psychology. an irresistible impulse to steal, especially when the thief can afford to pay. — kleptomaniac, n.
See also: Theft
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.kleptomania - an irresistible impulse to steal in the absence of any economic motive
cacoethes, mania, passion - an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
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Featherstone's heir; that old gentleman's pride in him, and apparent fondness for him, serving in the stead of more exemplary conduct--just as when a youthful nobleman steals jewellery we call the act kleptomania, speak of it with a philosophical smile, and never think of his being sent to the house of correction as if he were a ragged boy who had stolen turnips.
Middlemarch by Eliot, George View in context
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