Anthrophagist: meaning, definitions and examples
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anthrophagist
[ ænθrəˈfægɪst ]
cannibalism
An anthropophagist is a person who eats human flesh; a cannibal. This term is often associated with certain cultural practices or myths about tribes that consume the flesh of their enemies or deceased members. The act of anthropophagy raises numerous ethical, legal, and social concerns in contemporary society.
Synonyms
cannibal, flesh-eater, man-eater
Examples of usage
- The reports suggested that the ancient tribe had anthropophagist rituals.
- Some legends describe anthropophagists living in isolated areas.
- Anthropophagists were often depicted in folklore as savage and brutal.
- The anthropophagist practices of some cultures are viewed through a historical lens.
Etymology
The term 'anthropophagist' originates from the Greek words 'anthrōpos' (ἄνθρωπος), meaning 'human being' or 'man', and 'phagein' (φαγείν), meaning 'to eat'. It essentially translates to 'human eater'. The concept has been present since ancient times, appearing in various mythologies and historical accounts, notably surrounding cannibalistic tribes in the New World and tales of shipwrecked sailors resorting to cannibalism. The word gained more significance during the Enlightenment when European explorers documented the customs and practices of the indigenous peoples they encountered. The fascination with cannibalism continued into the 19th and 20th centuries, often exaggerated in literature and media. The anthropophagist is often portrayed as the 'other', highlighting cultural differences and moral questions surrounding the consumption of human flesh. In modern discourse, the term can provoke discussions on ethics and human rights, especially in the context of survival situations and cultural practices.