World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesCannibalism
/ˈkæn.ɪ.bəl.ɪ.zəm/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
The act or practice of eating human flesh by another human.
"Archaeological evidence suggests that ritualistic cannibalism occurred in several ancient societies." - 2
The eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of its own kind.
"Certain species of spiders exhibit sexual cannibalism during or after mating."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Spanish word 'caníbal', a variant of 'caríbal', referring to the Carib people of the West Indies who were reported to practice anthropophagy. The term entered English in the late 16th century, eventually superseding older native Germanic terms for the practice.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Cannibalism"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Cannibalism" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
cannibalisme
Transliteration: /ka.ni.ba.lism/
"Le cannibalisme était pratiqué par certaines tribus anciennes."
Kannibalismus
Transliteration: /ka.ni.baˈlɪs.mʊs/
"Historische Berichte beschreiben Fälle von Kannibalismus in Hungersnöten."
cannibalismo
Transliteration: /kan.ni.baˈliz.zo/
"Il cannibalismo è un tabù culturale quasi universale."
canibalismo
Transliteration: /ka.ni.βalˈiz.mo/
"El canibalismo ha sido documentado en raras ocasiones a lo largo de la historia humana."
canibalismo
Transliteration: /ka.ni.baˈliʒ.mu/
"O modernismo brasileiro utilizou a antropofagia como metáfora cultural."
नरعرपन
Transliteration: nar-bhakshana
Script: नर्बक्षण
"पुराने समय में कुछ जनजातियों में नरभक्षण की प्रथा थी।"
食人
Transliteration: shírén
"历史上极少数情况下曾发生过人类食人现象。"
식인
Transliteration: sig-in
"인류학에서 식인 풍습은 중요한 연구 주제 중 하나입니다."
食人
Transliteration: shokujin
"歴史上の極限状態において食人の記録が存在します。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA barracks or building intended for the accommodation of soldiers, usually located within a fortified place.
A secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Cannibalism"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.