Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cannibalism

noun
/ˈkæn.ɪ.bəˌlɪ.zəm/
Definition
The act of consuming the flesh of one’s own species.
Examples
  • In some ancient cultures, cannibalism was practiced in ritualistic contexts.
  • The story of shipwreck survivors resorting to cannibalism to stay alive highlights extreme human desperation.
  • Cannibalism raises significant ethical and moral questions within societies.
Meaning
Cannibalism refers to the practice of eating the flesh of individuals of the same species, typically referring to humans consuming other humans. It can occur in both cultural practices and extreme survival situations.
Synonyms
  • anthropophagy
  • man-eating
  • human flesh consumption