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

“Crispy Skin,” from the English experimental rock band Squid’s upcoming third album, “Cowards,” is at once bright and nightmarish — a driving, six-minute post-punk tune inspired by a dystopian novel about cannibalism.

From New York Times

“Hannibal” broke that barrier a decade ago by using fetching cinematographic and sensual editing to make cannibalism look appetizing.

From Salon

Harris hasn’t even picked a running mate yet and there are even Republicans who are telling me, “As long as they aren’t drooling or actively engaged in cannibalism I’ll consider voting for that ticket.”

From Salon

Up to almost half of black bears die within their first year of life, most often due to cannibalism, starvation or abandonment.

From Los Angeles Times

An introspective Armie Hammer laughed about the cannibalism allegations that were leveled against him during his precipitous fall from grace after he faced a brutalizing series of sexual misconduct allegations.

From Los Angeles Times