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

Derived Forms

• ˌcannibalˈistic, adjective
• ˌcannibalˈistically, adverb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cannibalism¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; cannibal + -ism

Example Sentences

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

From Science News For Students

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.

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg