bloodthirsty

[ bluhd-thur-stee ]

adjective

1. eager to shed blood; murderous:

   to capture a bloodthirsty criminal.

   Synonyms: pitiless, merciless, bloody, brutal, savage, homicidal

2. enjoying or encouraging bloodshed or violence, especially as a spectator or clamorous partisan:

   the bloodthirsty urgings of the fight fans.

bloodthirsty

/ ˈblʌdˌθɜːstɪ /

adjective

1. murderous; cruel
2. taking pleasure in bloodshed or violence
3. describing or depicting killing and violence; gruesome

   a bloodthirsty film

Derived Forms

• ˈbloodˌthirstily, adverb
• ˈbloodˌthirstiness, noun

Other Words From

• bloodthirsti·ly adverb
• bloodthirsti·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloodthirsty¹

First recorded in 1525–35; blood + thirsty

Example Sentences

It left some viewers perplexed, as they questioned what a bloodthirsty plant had to do with Christmas.

From BBC

Crowds would burst into bloodthirsty "fight fight fight" chants at a moment's notice.

From Salon

Immortal, bloodthirsty creatures that feed on humans - they have sharp fangs and a hatred for sunlight and garlic.

From BBC

He also reiterated plans for a mass deportation for illegal migrants, speaking of his wish to "rescue" places that had been "invaded and conquered" by "vicious and bloodthirsty criminals".

From BBC

I will rescue Aurora and every town that has been invaded and conquered—and we will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail or kick them the hell OUT OF OUR COUNTRY.

From Salon

Related Words

• homicidal
• ruthless