KLEPTOPHOBIA Meaning and
Definition
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Kleptophobia is a noun that refers to an intense and irrational fear or anxiety associated with thieves or stealing. It is derived from the Greek word "kleptein," meaning "to steal" and "phobos," meaning "fear." In other words, it is an excessive or irrational dread of theft, often characterized by experiencing extreme anxiety, panic attacks, or an overwhelming sense of vulnerability regarding personal belongings, property, or the presence of potential thieves.
Individuals affected by kleptophobia may exhibit various symptoms, such as persistent worrying or preoccupation with theft, avoiding situations or places where theft is perceived as likely, difficulty trusting others, feeling restless or on edge in public spaces, or experiencing irrational thoughts of being constantly watched or followed. As a result, this condition can significantly impact a person's everyday life, causing distress, disruption in daily routines, and difficulties in social interactions.
Often, kleptophobia arises from a traumatic experience related to theft, intrusion, or violation of personal space. This fear may also be fueled by the portrayal of thieves and acts of theft in media and popular culture. Psychological intervention, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, can be beneficial in managing kleptophobia, assisting individuals in understanding their fears, challenging irrational thoughts, and gradually exposing them to controlled situations that help them overcome their anxieties surrounding theft and stolen possessions.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for KLEPTOPHOBIA
- claptophobia
- jleptophobia
- mleptophobia
- lleptophobia
- oleptophobia
- ileptophobia
- kkeptophobia
- kpeptophobia
- koeptophobia
- klwptophobia
- klsptophobia
- kldptophobia
- klrptophobia
- kl4ptophobia
- kl3ptophobia
- kleotophobia
- kleltophobia
- kle-tophobia
- kle0tophobia
- kleprophobia
Etymology of KLEPTOPHOBIA
The word "kleptophobia" is not a widely recognized or commonly used term in the English language. As such, it does not have an established etymology. It appears to be a neologism created by combining the Greek word "kleptēs", meaning thief, with the suffix "-phobia", which denotes a fear or aversion to something. Therefore, "kleptophobia" can be understood to describe an irrational fear of theft or thieves. However, it is worth noting that this term is not a recognized psychological or medical condition.
