animalism

American  

[an-uh-muh-liz-uhm] / ˈæn ə məˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. preoccupation with or motivation by sensual, physical, or carnal appetites rather than moral, spiritual, or intellectual forces.

2. the theory that human beings lack a spiritual nature.

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animalism British  

/ ˈænɪməˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. satisfaction of or preoccupation with physical matters; sensuality

2. the doctrine or belief that man lacks a spiritual nature

3. a trait or mode of behaviour typical of animals

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Other Word Forms

• animalist noun

Etymology

Origin of animalism

First recorded in 1825–35; animal(ize) + -ism

Example Sentences

Today, “Horses” retains its punk animalism and wild tear through the emotional wilderness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 2025

Slate is full of praise for both actors, saying that she will be first in line later this year to see Adams’ buzzy “Nightbitch,” a movie that shares with “Lifeform” themes of postpartum animalism.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2024

Three new films are making fresh attempts to reckon with “the symbol of animalism and evil”, as Rolling Stone magazine called him.

From The Guardian • May 15, 2019

The cast is strong, too: Mr. Cole and Mr. Naumovski circling each other with a territorial animalism, Ms. Alsip deploying an easy glow that turns to outrage.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2016

All forms of marriage conceivable may be observed from rank animalism to high spiritual union; of numerous ideals, customs, and usages and ceremonies, as well as great confusion of purpose.

From History of Human Society by Blackmar, Frank W. (Frank Wilson)