kleptomaniac

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun someone with an irrational urge to steal in the absence of an economic motive

From Ancient Greek κλέπτω (kléptō, “I steal”) (from Proto-Hellenic *klépťō, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *klep-) + -maniac.

KLEPTOMANIAC, n. A rich thief. — The Devil's Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce
Lyon had none the less an importunate vision of a veiled figure coming the next day in the dusk to certain places to repair the Colonel's ravages, as the relatives of kleptomaniacs punctually call at the shops that have suffered from their pilferings. — A London Life, and Other Tales, Henry James

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