Definition of cannibalism Cannibalism

/kæˈnʌbʌlɪˌzʌm/ - [kanubulizum] - can•ni•bal•ism

We found 8 definitions of cannibalism from 6 different sources.

What does cannibalism mean?

Plural: cannibalisms

cannibalism - the practice of eating the flesh of your own kind

practice, pattern a customary way of operation or behavior; "it is their practice to give annual raises"; "they changed their dietary pattern"

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cannibalism (Noun)
The act of eating another of one's own species.
cannibalism (Noun)
In speech, the occurrence of one word "eating" part or all of the next word, because the syllables ar the same. For example, "Look, an MIT shirt" for "Look, an MIT T-shirt".

cannibalism (n.)
The act or practice of eating human flesh by mankind. Hence; Murderous cruelty; barbarity.

Cannibalism is the practice of eating your own species. If it refers to humans, some people call it anthrophagy.

People eating other people.

If it occurs in humans, scientists are unclear if it is widespread or not. There are certain diseases, like the sleeping disease, that are passed on by eating human nerve tissue, especially the brain. Sometimes, cannibalism was observed with people that have mental problems or some diseases of the mind.

Cannibalism in non-human species.

In non-human species, cannibalism is quite common, for example with spiders and scorpions. There, the male gets eaten by the female, after having sex.