bloodthirstiness
/'blʌd,θə':stinis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A strong and eager desire to see or cause violence, killing, or bloodshed; a cruel and savage disposition.
Usage
"Bloodthirstiness" is a formal and strong noun used to describe an inherent or characteristic desire for violence. It often implies a cruel enjoyment or eagerness for brutal acts. It is typically used in contexts discussing historical figures, fictional villains, or extreme behavior.
Examples
- The general's bloodthirstiness was legendary, terrifying both his enemies and his own troops.
- The film was criticized for its gratuitous bloodthirstiness and glorification of violence.
- Historians debate whether the conqueror's actions were driven by political strategy or pure bloodthirstiness.
Advanced Usage
- "A thirst for blood": This is a more metaphorical and common phrase expressing a similar idea of eagerness for violence or revenge.
- The mob, with a thirst for blood, demanded the prisoner's immediate execution.
- The term can be applied metaphorically to non-physical contexts, such as in competitive sports or business, to describe an extremely aggressive and ruthless desire to defeat an opponent.
- The corporate takeover was executed with a shocking bloodthirstiness, leaving no competitor standing.
Variants and Related Words
- Bloodthirsty (adjective): Having or showing a desire to kill or shed blood.
- The pirate captain was a bloodthirsty tyrant.
- Bloodlust (noun): A strong and uncontrollable desire to kill or commit violent acts. This is a very close synonym, often emphasizing a temporary frenzy rather than a permanent disposition.
- The battle awakened a primitive bloodlust in the soldiers.
Synonyms
- Cruelty
- Savagery
- Ferocity
- Murderousness
- Butchery (can imply the act itself or a disposition toward it)
Antonyms
- Compassion
- Mercy
- Gentleness
- Peacefulness
- Humanity
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To be out for blood: To be aggressively seeking to harm or defeat someone.
- After the scandal, the reporters were out for blood.
- Blood runs cold: To be filled with horror or fear, often because of someone's bloodthirsty nature or actions.
- His tale of the murderer's bloodthirstiness made my blood run cold.
Noun
- a disposition to shed blood