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Definition of pyromania

pyromania

/ˌpaɪ.roʊˈmeɪ.ni.ə/
py · ro · ma · ni · a
Adjective:pyromaniac
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pyromania Lexical Profile

pyromania Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A rare psychiatric impulse-control disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to set fire to things and an intense fascination with flames, experienced as a relief of inner tension rather than for monetary gain or malice.

Example

"Forensic psychologists evaluated the suspect to determine whether his actions stemmed from clinical pyromania or calculated insurance fraud."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pyromania

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'pyromania' with 'arson': 'pyromania' is a rare psychiatric impulse-control disorder characterized by an obsessive compulsion to set fires for emotional gratification, whereas 'arson' is the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property, often for financial gain or malice.

• Rhymes for pyromania

• Nearby Words

pyro
pyrola
pyromancer
pyromania
pyromaniac
pyrometer
pyrostegia

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from French 'pyromanie', combining Ancient Greek 'pyr' (meaning 'fire') and 'mania' (meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pyromania. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pyromania
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