cannibal
|can-ni-bal|
/ˈkænɪbəl/
eat own kind
Etymology
'cannibal' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'caníbal', which in turn was used by early Spanish explorers for the Carib (Taíno) people, where the form referred to that people/group.
'cannibal' changed from Spanish 'caníbal' (and earlier Spanish plural 'Caníbales' used in accounts of Columbus) and entered English in the late 16th century as 'cannibal'.
Initially, it referred to the Carib people, but over time it evolved into the meaning 'person who eats human flesh'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who eats the flesh of other human beings.
A cannibal was captured after the attacks.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an animal that eats members of its own species (used of nonhuman animals as well).
In some species, a cannibal may eat its offspring.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of cannibals or cannibalism.
The book detailed cannibal practices among the isolated tribe.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/12 23:06