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Definition of vampirism

vampirism

/ˈvæm.paɪ.ɹɪ.zəm/
vam · pir · ism
Adjective:vampiric
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vampirism Lexical Profile

vampirism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state, actions, or characteristics of a vampire in folklore and fiction, or the belief in the existence of such creatures.

Example

"The professor's lecture explored how Eastern European legends of vampirism influenced nineteenth-century Gothic literature."

2

The zoological practice of feeding on the blood of living animals, or a rare clinical compulsion in humans to drink blood.

Example

"In the animal kingdom, true vampirism is observed in only a few specialized species of bats, leeches, and insects."

3

The ruthless exploitation, draining, or extortion of others for one's own gain.

Example

"Critics denounced the predatory lending scheme as a form of economic vampirism that drained small businesses of their savings."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

vampire pleco
vampire tetra
vampiric
vampirism
vampy
vamsadhara
van

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-18th century from French 'vampirisme', derived from 'vampire' (ultimately from Serbian 'vampir') and the suffix '-ism'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vampirism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vampirism
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