In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence. A person who has an irresistible impulse to steal.
Kleptomaniac
Understanding Words for Impulses and Fixations
The question asks for a single word to describe a person who experiences an irresistible impulse to steal. This type of question tests your vocabulary, specifically terms related to psychological conditions or strong compulsions, often ending in '-mania' or '-maniac'. Let's look at the given options to find the correct term.
Analysing the Options
We need to carefully examine the meaning of each provided word:
- Pyromania: This term refers to an impulse control disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to set fires. A person with pyromania is called a pyromaniac. This does not match the definition related to stealing.
- Dipsomania: This refers to an irresistible craving for alcoholic drinks. A person suffering from dipsomania is called a dipsomaniac. This relates to alcohol, not stealing.
- Megalomania: This term denotes a delusion of power or importance, sometimes accompanied by grandiose fantasies. It is not directly about an impulse to perform a specific action like stealing or setting fires, but rather about a person's perception of themselves.
- Kleptomaniac: This word describes a person who suffers from kleptomania. Kleptomania is a mental disorder characterized by an irresistible impulse to steal items, typically not for personal use or monetary value, but for the sake of the act of stealing itself. This definition perfectly matches the description provided in the question.
Comparing the Definitions
Let's summarize the key difference in a table:
| Term | Irresistible Impulse Related To... |
|---|---|
| Pyromania | Setting fires |
| Dipsomania | Drinking alcohol |
| Megalomania | Delusions of power/importance (not an impulse to act) |
| Kleptomaniac | Stealing |
Based on this comparison, the term that specifically refers to a person with an irresistible impulse to steal is Kleptomaniac.
Conclusion
The phrase "A person who has an irresistible impulse to steal" is accurately described by the word Kleptomaniac.
Revision Table - Understanding Manias
| Mania/Compulsion | Description |
|---|---|
| Kleptomania | Irresistible urge to steal. |
| Pyromania | Irresistible urge to set fires. |
| Dipsomania | Irresistible urge to drink alcohol. |
| Megalomania | Delusion of greatness or power. |
| Mythomania | Irresistible urge to lie. |
Additional Information - Related Vocabulary Concepts
Understanding words for specific psychological impulses or fixations is common in English vocabulary sections of exams. Terms ending in '-mania' often describe an obsession or irresistible impulse. Here are a few points to remember:
- '-mania' as a suffix means 'madness' or 'frenzy', often indicating an obsessive or compulsive desire for something.
- Many such words describe specific types of irresistible urges or fixations, like those related to fire (pyro), drinking (dipso), stealing (klepto), or grandeur (megalo).
- Knowing the root word (e.g., 'pyro' for fire, 'klepto' for steal) helps in deciphering the meaning of '-mania' words.
Mastering these specific terms can significantly improve your performance in vocabulary-based questions.
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