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cannibalism

[ kan-uh-buh-liz-uhm ]

noun

  1. the eating of human flesh by another human being.
  2. the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of its own kind.
  3. 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.
  4. the act of pecking flesh from a live fowl by a member of the same flock.
  5. the removal of parts, equipment, assets, or employees from one product, item, or business in order to use them in another.
  6. the acquisition and absorption of smaller companies by a large corporation or conglomerate.


cannibalism

/ ˈkænɪbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

  1. the act of eating human flesh or the flesh of one's own kind
  2. savage and inhuman cruelty
“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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Derived Forms

  • ˌcannibalˈistic, adjective
  • ˌcannibalˈistically, adverb
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Other Words From

  • 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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cannibalism1

First recorded in 1790–1800; cannibal + -ism
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Example Sentences

When the crickets come closer to each other, explains Jrasnatt, “that will lead to more cannibalism.”

At first, it looks as though they bear the scars of 19 months in the wilderness, regardless of whether cannibalism was part of the experience.

From Time

Fitting that Horror Caviar ends on a recipe inspired by Julia Ducournau’s film about cannibalism, which captivated the festival circuit when it was released in 2016.

From Eater

Eyes gouged, necks snapped, and even some good old fashioned cannibalism.

“Vicious pecking, avian hysteria, mysterious deaths, and even cannibalism” are the results, he writes.

They practiced ceremonial cannibalism, believing the hearts of their victims would imbue them with power.

The most egregious offender of this new trend: a Norwegian student who committed self cannibalism.

I had often read about cannibalism being widespread in  the area, so I asked a local resident about it.

We were always the best of friends, and I even ventured gradually to wean them from cannibalism.

Cannibalism and blood-drinking could also be part of blunt necessity.

It is said that cannibalism is as common among the starving inhabitants as pork-eating in California.

Now there is good reason to guess that human sacrifices with no other origin than cannibalism survived even in ancient Greece.

Accused of occasional cannibalism, justified by the pressure of famine.

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