Pronunciation: [ˌɒpsəmˈe͡ɪni͡ə] (IPA) 
Opsomania is a rarely used word that refers to an intense desire to purchase or acquire material possessions. The word is derived from the Greek roots "opsos," meaning "wealth," and "mania," meaning "madness." The phonetic transcription of "opsomania" is /ɒpsoʊˈmeɪniə/ with stress on the second syllable. The "o" sound is pronounced as in "bot," the "s" sound as in "snake," and the "a" sound as in "face."
Opsomania is a term derived from the combination of the Greek words "opsis" (meaning "vision" or "sight") and "mania" (indicating an intense or abnormal enthusiasm). It refers to a psychological disorder or excessive preoccupation characterized by an insatiable desire to witness or observe dramatic, thrilling, or intense scenes or events. Individuals experiencing opsomania are deeply driven by an overwhelming compulsion or obsession to seek out and be present during moments of extreme danger, chaos, excitement, or unrest.
Opsomania is associated with a relentless pursuit of exhilarating experiences, often displaying a lack of concern for personal safety or well-being. The desire to be in the midst of tumultuous circumstances may lead these individuals to actively seek out high-risk situations or environments, such as natural disasters, riots, war zones, or extreme sports activities. This condition can be seen as a form of addiction to intense stimulation, where the individual becomes fixated on the adrenaline rush and thrill that accompanies these events.
The term can also be used metaphorically to describe individuals who constantly chase after or engage in tumultuous, unstable, or dramatic relationships. Opsomania can negatively impact an individual's mental and emotional well-being, as it often involves exposing oneself to dangerous situations that can result in physical harm or trauma. It is important for individuals exhibiting signs of opsomania to seek professional help in order to better understand and manage their intense urges and behaviors, promoting a healthier and more stable lifestyle.
A longing for a particular article of diet, or for highly seasoned food.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "opsomania" is derived from Greek. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: "opsō", which means "to be eager for" or "to long for", and "mania", which means "insanity" or "madness". Therefore, "opsomania" can be understood as an intense craving or desire for something, often associated with an obsessive or irrational compulsion.
