cannibalism

American  

[kan-uh-buh-liz-uhm] / ˈkæn ə bəˌlɪz əm /

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.

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cannibalism British  

/ ˈkænɪbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the act of eating human flesh or the flesh of one's own kind

2. savage and inhuman cruelty

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Other Word Forms

• cannibalistic adjective
• cannibalistically adverb
• noncannibalistic adjective
• noncannibalistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of cannibalism

First recorded in 1790–1800; cannibal + -ism

Example Sentences

Everyone in the present timeline is worse off than they were when they were stuck in the wilderness, which is saying a lot because . . . cannibalism.

From Salon

It also answered a question that had been lingering over the series for its entire run: When would the cannibalism start in earnest?

From New York Times

Another user commented that Paltrow's quiet yet bold accessories, like her boots, "subtly say it's — WAR, minus the cannibalism."

From Salon

Nickerson sounded a little sheepish about what he called the first season’s “lack of cannibalism.”

From New York Times

This stress is why they will mutilate themselves and other mink, or engage in behaviors as unnatural as cannibalism.

From Salon