lycanthropy

noun

ly·can·thro·py | \ lī-ˈkan(t)-thrə-pē

Definition of lycanthropy

1 : a delusion that one has become a wolf

2 : the assumption of the form and characteristics of a wolf held to be possible by witchcraft or magic

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Did You Know?

If you happen to be afflicted with lycanthropy, the full moon is apt to cause you an inordinate amount of distress. "Lycanthropy" can refer to either the delusional idea that one is a wolf or to the werewolf transformations that have been the stuff of superstitions for centuries. In some cultures, similar myths involve human transformation into other equally feared animals: hyenas and leopards in Africa, for example, and tigers in Asia. The word lycanthropy itself, however, comes from the Greek words lykos, meaning "wolf," and anthropos, meaning "human being." Werewolf myths are usually associated with the phases of the moon; the animal nature of the werewolf (or "lycanthrope") is typically thought to take over when the moon is full.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Teen Wolf, Teen Wolf Too (August 1) High school is a tough time for any teenager, and made even tougher by lycanthropy (i.e. werewolf-dom), as both Michael J. Fox and Jason Bateman learn in these 1980s horror-comedies. — Nick Schager, Esquire, "Here Are the Must-Stream Movies of August 2017," 28 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lycanthropy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.