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Cannibalistic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

cannibalistic

/ˌkænɪbəˈlɪstɪk/ /ˌkænɪbəˈlɪstɪk/

Definition:

Relating to or practicing cannibalism; eating the flesh of one's own species.

Synonyms:

man-eating, anthropophagous, savage

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

vegetarian, herbivorous

Common Collocations:

cannibalistic tendencies, cannibalistic behavior, cannibalistic rituals

Derivatives:

cannibalism, cannibalize

Usage Tips:

Use to describe behavior or practices involving eating one's own kind, often metaphorically in competitive contexts.

Common Phrases:

eat your own kind, survival of the fittest, dog-eat-dog world

Etymology:

Derived from "cannibal," from Spanish "caníbal," influenced by Carib people rumored to practice anthropophagy.

Examples:

  • 1. The tribe had cannibalistic rituals in ancient times.
  • 2. Some animals exhibit cannibalistic behavior under extreme stress.
  • 3. The horror movie featured a cannibalistic monster.
  • 4. Corporate takeovers can feel cannibalistic in nature.

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