Zombie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💀
zombie
[ˈzɒmbi ]
Definitions
horror fiction
A reanimated corpse that has been brought back to life, typically by witchcraft or supernatural forces. Zombies are often depicted as mindless, flesh-eating creatures.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| zombie |
Often used in popular culture and entertainment to describe a reanimated corpse that moves and behaves as if alive, usually in horror films, video games, and TV shows. It can also metaphorically describe someone acting without thinking.
|
| undead |
A broad term encompassing various beings like vampires, ghosts, and zombies, used primarily in fantasy and horror genres. It conveys the idea of being neither alive nor completely dead.
|
| living dead |
A more formal and less commonly used term often seen in literature or classic horror works to describe beings that are dead but appear to be alive.
|
| ghoul |
Typically used in folklore and horror genres to refer to a demon-like being that consumes human flesh. It has a more sinister and supernatural connotation than 'zombie'.
|
Examples of usage
- The movie featured a horde of zombies terrorizing the town.
- In the game, players must survive a zombie apocalypse.
slang
A person who is apathetic or unresponsive, especially in social situations. This term is often used humorously to describe someone who seems disconnected from reality.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| zombie |
This word is often used in a horror or fantasy context to describe a reanimated corpse. It is also informally used to describe someone who is very tired or acting without thinking.
|
| robot |
This word refers to a machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. It can also describe a person who acts in a mechanical, unemotional way.
|
| zombie-like |
This adjective describes someone or something that resembles a zombie. It's often used to convey a sense of slowness, lack of awareness, or energy.
|
| lifeless |
This word is used to describe something or someone that lacks energy, spirit, or animation. It can have a negative connotation when describing a person.
|
Examples of usage
- I tried to talk to him at the party, but he was just staring blankly ahead like a zombie.
- She's been acting like a zombie ever since she heard the news.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The 1968 film 'Night of the Living Dead' is credited with popularizing modern zombie lore in movies.
- Zombies have become a staple in video games, like 'Resident Evil' and 'The Last of Us,' allowing players to confront these creatures.
- Television series such as 'The Walking Dead' have expanded the zombie genre, exploring human struggles and societal breakdowns.
Science
- Certain parasites, like the Toxoplasma gondii, can manipulate the behavior of their hosts, causing a 'zombification' effect.
- Neuroscience studies suggest that certain brain damage can lead to behaviors reminiscent of zombie-like states in humans.
- Some scientists study the biology of decay, analyzing how corpses can be revived in fictional contexts, tapping into real-life decomposition processes.
Literature
- The first known appearance of zombies in literature was in William Buehler Seabrook's 1929 book 'The Magic Island,' which introduced the concept to Western audiences.
- Zombies symbolize societal fears and critiques, representing everything from consumerism to loss of individuality in literature.
- In contemporary fiction, zombies are often used as a metaphor for existential crises, as seen in works like 'World War Z' and 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.'
Psychology
- The fear of zombies is often linked to deeper fears of losing control or becoming part of a mindless crowd.
- Zombies can represent our anxieties about disease and contagion in a societal context, reflecting fears of pandemics.
- The rise of zombie narratives has been linked to periods of cultural uncertainty, tapping into our collective anxiety about the future.
Origin of 'zombie'
Main points about word origin
- 'Zombie' comes from the Haitian Creole word 'zonbi,' referring to a reanimated corpse.
- The word gained popularity in the English language in the 1930s, particularly after a film depicting them was released.
- The concept of animated corpses can be traced back to African and Haitian folklore, where they are often linked to magic.
The word 'zombie' has origins in West African traditions and was first introduced to the English language in the 19th century. It gained popularity in horror fiction and cinema, particularly through George A. Romero's films. The concept of reanimated corpses has been a staple in various cultures and folklore around the world.