theriomorphism
|the-ri-o-mor-phism|
🇺🇸
/ˌθɪriəˈmɔrfɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˌθɪəriəˈmɔːfɪzəm/
animal-form
Etymology
'theriomorphism' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'thērion' and 'morphē', where 'thērion' meant 'wild animal' and 'morphē' meant 'form'.
'theriomorphism' entered English via modern scholarly and Latinized forms (compare French 'thériomorphisme' and New Latin formations) during the 18th–19th centuries, becoming the English noun used in anthropology, theology, and art history.
Initially used mainly for the depiction of gods in animal form, the term's usage expanded to include broader artistic and literary attributions of animal characteristics to humans and other beings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the representation of gods, deities, or supernatural beings in the form of animals; the depiction of divine beings with animal characteristics.
Ancient Egyptian religion shows clear examples of theriomorphism, with gods like Anubis depicted as a jackal-headed figure.
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Noun 2
the attribution or portrayal of animal traits or forms to humans or human-like figures in art, literature, or myth (broader use beyond strictly divine depiction).
The illustrator's use of theriomorphism gave the story's protagonists animal ears and tails to emphasize their instincts.
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Last updated: 2025/09/12 18:25