Lycanthrope: meaning, definitions and examples
๐บ
lycanthrope
[ laษชหkรฆnฮธroสp ]
mythology folklore
A lycanthrope is a mythological creature or human that can transform into a wolf or has wolf-like characteristics. This transformation is often associated with the full moon and is rooted in various folktales and myths across different cultures.
Synonyms
shapeshifter, werewolf, wolfman
Examples of usage
- In many cultures, lycanthropes are believed to be cursed individuals.
- The legend of the werewolf is a popular depiction of a lycanthrope.
- Some characters in literature are portrayed as lycanthropes who struggle with their dual nature.
Translations
Translations of the word "lycanthrope" in other languages:
๐ต๐น licantropo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฒเคพเคเคเฅเคเคฅเฅเคฐเฅเคช
๐ฉ๐ช Werwolf
๐ฎ๐ฉ likantro
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะพะฒะบัะปะฐะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ likantrop
๐ฏ๐ต ไบบ็ผ (ใใใใ)
๐ซ๐ท lycanthrope
๐ช๐ธ licรกntropo
๐น๐ท likantrop
๐ฐ๐ท ๋๋์ธ๊ฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฐุฆุจ ุจุดุฑู
๐จ๐ฟ lykantrop
๐ธ๐ฐ lykantrop
๐จ๐ณ ็ผไบบ (lรกngrรฉn)
๐ธ๐ฎ likantrop
๐ฎ๐ธ likantropi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฒะพะฒาัะปะฐา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแขแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ likantro
๐ฒ๐ฝ licรกntropo
Etymology
The term 'lycanthrope' originates from the Greek words 'lykos', meaning wolf, and 'anthropos', meaning human. Its usage can be traced back to ancient mythology, particularly in stories concerning shape-shifting beings. The modern concept of a lycanthrope particularly gained popularity in 18th century Europe, influenced by folklore and tales of werewolves, especially in regions like France and Germany. Such stories often featured humans transforming into wolves under the moonlight, which was thought to be a punishment for wrongdoings or a sign of a curse. Over time, the idea of lycanthropy has become deeply embedded in popular culture, leading to various interpretations in literature, films, and other media. Today, 'lycanthrope' is widely recognized as synonymous with 'werewolf', depicting the tragic and monstrous aspects of duality and transformation.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,918, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.