lycanthropy

[ lahy-kan-thruh-pee ]

noun

1. a delusion in which one imagines oneself to be a wolf or other wild animal.
2. the supposed or fabled assumption of the appearance of a wolf by a human being.

lycanthropy

/ ˌlaɪkənˈθrɒpɪk; laɪˈkænθrəpɪ /

noun

1. the supposed magical transformation of a person into a wolf
2. psychiatry a delusion in which a person believes that he is a wolf

Derived Forms

• lycanthropic, adjective

Other Words From

• ly·can·throp·ic [lahy-k, uh, n-, throp, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lycanthropy¹

From the Greek word lykanthrōpía, dating back to 1575–85. See lycanthrope, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of lycanthropy¹

C16: from Greek lukānthropía, from lukos wolf + anthrōpos man

Example Sentences

IT seems that there is a disposition in certain minds to associate lycanthropy with the doctrine of the transmigration of souls.

From Project Gutenberg

Lycanthropy is a change of condition relative to a property, entirely independent of evolution.

From Project Gutenberg

This property of lycanthropy, or metamorphosing into a beast, probably dates back to man's creation.

From Project Gutenberg

Lycanthropy confines itself to the metamorphosis of physical man to animal form only during man's physical lifetime.

From Project Gutenberg

Amongst the Vaudois lycanthropy was also widely prevalent, and many of these werwolves were brought to trial and executed.

From Project Gutenberg