vampire

vam·pire

noun \ˈvam-ˌpī(-ə)r\

Definition of VAMPIRE

1

: the reanimated body of a dead person believed to come from the grave at night and suck the blood of persons asleep

2

a : one who lives by preying on others b : a woman who exploits and ruins her lover

3

: vampire bat

— vam·pir·ic \vam-ˈpir-ik\ adjective

— vam·pir·ish \ˈvam-ˌpī(-ə)r-ish\ adjective

Examples of VAMPIRE

1. <regarded debt collectors as vampires who made a living from the misery of others>

Illustration of VAMPIRE

Origin of VAMPIRE

French, from German Vampir, from Serbian vampir

First Known Use: 1732

Related to VAMPIRE

Synonyms: bloodsucker, buzzard, harpy, kite, shark, predator, vulture, wolf

Antonyms: prey

Related Words: exploiter, user; leech, sponge, sponger; destroyer, devourer

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Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix