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

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

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

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

He played half of a Brooklyn couple trying to resolve a squabble with another couple over a fight between their children - a part also revealing of our underlying animalism.

From Seattle Times