Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or practicing cannibalism: The word "anthropophagous" describes something or someone that consumes human flesh. It is a formal, often scientific or anthropological term for cannibalistic behavior or characteristics.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The explorer documented an anthropophagous tribe in his journal. (The explorer documented a cannibalistic tribe in his journal.)
  • Certain ancient rituals were rumored to be anthropophagous in nature. (Certain ancient rituals were rumored to involve the consumption of human flesh.)
  • The anthropologist studied the anthropophagous practices of the isolated culture. (The anthropologist studied the cannibalistic practices of the isolated culture.)

Advanced Usage

• In Zoology: While primarily used for humans, "anthropophagous" can be applied in a technical zoological context to describe animals that prey on humans.
  • The shark's attack was an isolated incident, not indicative of an anthropophagous species. (The shark's attack was an isolated incident, not indicative of a man-eating species.)

Variants and Related Words

• Anthropophagy (n): The practice of eating human flesh; cannibalism.
  • The study focused on the history of anthropophagy in the region. (The study focused on the history of cannibalism in the region.)
• Anthropophagite (n): A person who eats human flesh; a cannibal. (A less common, more literary synonym.)
  • The myth described a cave inhabited by anthropophagites. (The myth described a cave inhabited by cannibals.)

Synonyms

• Cannibalistic: The most common direct synonym, relating to cannibals or cannibalism.
• Man-eating: Used especially for animals that prey on humans.

Antonyms

• Herbivorous: Plant-eating.
• Omnivorous: Eating both plant and animal matter (but not specifically human).
• Vegetarian: Abstaining from eating meat.

Notes on Usage

• Register: "Anthropophagous" is a formal, academic, or technical word. In everyday language, "cannibalistic" is more frequently used.
• Context: It is typically found in anthropological, historical, or zoological texts. Its use can carry a clinical or detached tone compared to the more commonly used "cannibal."

Adjective

1. of or relating to eaters of human flesh