cannibal
/'kænibəl/
Definition
Noun: 1. A person who eats human flesh: An individual who consumes the flesh of other human beings. This term is primarily used in anthropology and discussions of certain historical or ritual practices. 2. An animal that eats its own species: By extension, this term can describe an animal that consumes members of its own kind.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- The explorers feared they had landed on an island inhabited by cannibals.
- In some ancient cultures, ritual cannibals consumed parts of their deceased enemies to absorb their strength.
- Certain species of spiders are cannibals, with females often eating the males after mating.
Advanced Usage
- "Cannibal" as a modifier: The term is often used attributively (like an adjective) to describe related concepts.
- cannibal tribe (a tribe that practices cannibalism)
- cannibal tendencies (the propensity to consume one's own kind)
Variants and Related Words
- Cannibalism (n): The practice of eating the flesh of one's own species.
- The study focused on the ritual cannibalism of the tribe.
- Cannibalistic (adj): Characteristic of or relating to cannibals or cannibalism.
- The cannibalistic behavior was observed in the insect population.
Synonyms
- Anthropophagite (n): A formal term for a person who eats human flesh.
- Man-eater (n): Can refer to a cannibal or an animal that preys on humans.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Cannibalize": This is a distinct verb with a metaphorical meaning derived from the core concept.
- Meaning: To take parts from one item in order to repair or build another.
- The mechanic had to cannibalize the old truck for parts to fix the new one.
- The company cannibalized its own sales by releasing a cheaper, similar product.
Noun
-
a person who eats human flesh
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