Definition of Pyromania: Pyromania is a psychiatric condition characterised by an impulsive urge to deliberately start fires, typically for gratification or relief from tension. This behaviour is often associated with emotional or mental distress and a fascination with fire and its situational contexts.
Etymology and Origin: The word ‘pyromania’ comes from the Greek words ‘pyr’ meaning ‘fire’ and ‘mania’ meaning ‘madness or frenzy’. It was first used in the 19th century to describe an uncontrollable impulse to set fires. The term reflects a pathological condition, distinct from deliberate fire-setting for criminal purposes.
