bloodlust

or blood lust

[ bluhd-luhst ]

noun

1. eagerness to engage in violence or bloodshed:

   During the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, the bloodlust of the mob raged unabated till it achieved a complete upheaval of French society.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloodlust¹

First recorded in 1845–50; blood ( def ) + lust ( def )

Example Sentences

With the psychological deftness of a cult leader, Trump is able to infiltrate the shadowed corners of America’s consciousness, casting a sinister silhouette that bends reality into a fevered hallucination of chaos and bloodlust.

From Salon

We’ve wanted this battle since Season 1, so we can’t blame Condal for reminding us that sometimes our fantasy bloodlust claims those who least deserve it along with the ones who have it coming.

From Salon

Pinochet’s own supernatural bloodlust isn’t what it used to be, and immortality itself has lost its appeal: “Why would I want to keep on living,” he asks, “in a country where people hate me?”

From Los Angeles Times

But from the moment Wagner forces entered the war in April 2022, they earned a special reputation for bloodlust from civilians and soldiers alike.

From New York Times

The only problem was that DeSantis had ambition, but not the bloodlust.

From Seattle Times