Canibal Meaning and Definition
Canibal
Pronunciation
/kəˈnɪbəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who engages in cannibalism, the practice of human flesh-eating.
Examples
- The tribe had a history of canibalism, consuming the bodies of their enemies.
- During times of famine, some communities resorted to canibalism to survive.
Synonyms
- Cannibal
- Flesh-eater
Antonyms
- Vegetarian
- Omnivore
Etymology
The word ‘Canibal’ comes from the Carib people of the Caribbean, who were mistakenly believed to engage in cannibalism by early European colonizers.
Usage Notes
Use ‘Canibal’ to refer to a person who partakes in cannibalism, while being mindful of the negative connotations and cultural sensitivities associated with the term.
Cultural References
‘Canibal’ has appeared in various forms of media, including the 1980 horror film ‘Cannibal Holocaust’ and the 2010 film ‘The Road,’ where a father and son consume human flesh to survive.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘To eat one’s own’ is an idiomatic phrase that refers to a situation where a person or group consumes their own resources or is consumed by internal problems.
Related Words or Phrases
- Cannibalism
- Flesh-eating
- Human consumption
Collocations
- Human flesh
- Cannibalistic practices
- Fungal growth
Frequency of Use
‘Canibal’ is a relatively rare word in modern language, used primarily in academic or sensational contexts.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of ‘Canibal’ include ‘Cannibal,’ ‘Cinabal,’ and ‘Canivbal.’