cannibalism
the eating of human flesh by another human being.
the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of its own kind.
the ceremonial eating of human flesh or parts of the human body for magical or religious purposes, as to acquire the power or skill of a person recently killed.
the act of pecking flesh from a live fowl by a member of the same flock.
the removal of parts, equipment, assets, or employees from one product, item, or business in order to use them in another.
the acquisition and absorption of smaller companies by a large corporation or conglomerate.
Origin of cannibalism
1Other words from cannibalism
- can·ni·bal·is·tic, adjective
- can·ni·bal·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb
- non·can·ni·bal·is·tic, adjective
- non·can·ni·bal·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use cannibalism in a sentence
Unlike other sharks, lamniforms practice intrauterine cannibalism.
Attack of the inner-cannibal mega-shark | Carolyn Gramling | November 10, 2020 | Science News For StudentsShe was chatty and casual, and expressed her abstract concern that American democracy is on a cannibalistic downward slide.
"I don't suppose any Frenchman is given to cannibalistic diet," he answered, smiling.
The Doctor of Pimlico | William Le QueuxThey took back with them many Spaniards and Tlascalans as captives for sacrifice and the cannibalistic feast which followed.
South American Fights and Fighters | Cyrus Townsend BradyI had read considerable about them, much of which ridiculed the rumors of their cannibalistic traits.
Tales of lonely trails | Zane Grey
Their first pastimes are killing games, playing dead, stories of witches, cannibalistic ogres.
The Cup of Fury | Rupert HughesThey were represented as of gigantic proportions, herculean strength and ferocious and cannibalistic propensities.
Barney Blake, The Boy Privateer | Herrick Johnstone
British Dictionary definitions for cannibalism
/ (ˈkænɪbəˌlɪzəm) /
the act of eating human flesh or the flesh of one's own kind
savage and inhuman cruelty
Derived forms of cannibalism
- cannibalistic, adjective
- cannibalistically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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