vampirism

[ vam-pahyuhr-iz-uhm, -puh-riz- ]

/ ˈvæm paɪərˌɪz əm, -pəˌrɪz- /

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noun

belief in the existence of vampires.

the acts or practices of vampires.

unscrupulous exploitation, ruin, or degradation of others.

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Origin of vampirism

First recorded in 1785–95; vampire + -ism

Words nearby vampirism

vamp, vamphorn, vampire, vampire bat, vampires, vampirism, vamplate, van, vanadate, vanadic, vanadic acid

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use vampirism in a sentence

What are your thoughts on using vampirism as a metaphor for the disenfranchised?
Anne Rice on Sparkly Vampires, ‘Twilight,’ ‘True Blood,’ and Werewolves|Marlow Stern|November 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
True Blood is set in your native Louisiana, and it really uses vampirism as a metaphor for outsiders, including the gay community.
Anne Rice on Sparkly Vampires, ‘Twilight,’ ‘True Blood,’ and Werewolves|Marlow Stern|November 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
You could say that the metaphor of vampirism being a… release is probably true.
Hot-Blooded Horror|Nick Antosca|August 1, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Men of science bore testimony in favour of vampirism with seeming truthfulness and ability, worthy of a better subject.
The Mysteries of All Nations|James Grant

It is also a protection against psychic vampirism, or draining of magnetic strength.
The Human Aura|Swami Panchadasi
It has been asserted that Bertrand was a vampire; but there are absolutely no grounds for associating him with vampirism.
Werwolves|Elliott O'Donnell
There are other types of vampirism in addition to the conventional theme and the occult vampirism.
The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction|Dorothy Scarborough
A kindred prejudice, Vampirism, has still many adherents in Eastern Europe.
The Superstitions of Witchcraft|Howard Williams

British Dictionary definitions for vampirism

vampirism

/ (ˈvæmpaɪərˌɪzəm) /

noun

belief in the existence of vampires

the actions of vampires; bloodsucking

the act of preying upon or exploiting others

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