Kleptomaniac
(noun)
A person who has an irresistible urge to steal, especially without need or for the thrill of it.
Origin:
From greek kleptes 'thief' and mania 'madness'.
Examples:
- The kleptomaniac was caught in the act of stealing jewelry from the store.
- She could never resist the urge to steal, even though she knew it was wrong, she was a true kleptomaniac.
- He had been struggling with kleptomania for years, but never sought help.
- Kleptomaniacs typically feel a rush of excitement when they steal something, regardless of its value.
- The judge recognized that the defendant was a kleptomaniac, but still had to sentence her for her crimes.