vampirism

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

noun

1. belief in the existence of vampires.
2. the acts or practices of vampires.
3. unscrupulous exploitation, ruin, or degradation of others.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vampirism¹

First recorded in 1785–95; vampire + -ism

Example Sentences

Some of the world's deadliest bacteria seek out and feed on human blood, a newly-discovered phenomenon researchers are calling "bacterial vampirism."

From Science Daily

Many of such binaries will at some point transfer mass from one star to another, a kind of stellar vampirism depicted in this artist’s impression.

From Salon

When Jonathan comes under the count's spell and begins slipping into vampirism, it is Mina who must rescue him and join the hunt for Dracula in England.

From BBC

He doesn't let anything get in the way of a flamboyant good time – not even his vampirism.

From Salon

Stunted vampirism is less of a problem for Guillermo than his realization that he's committed a crime punishable by death by going behind Nandor's back to be made by another vampire.

From Salon