vampirism

noun

vam·​pir·​ism ˈvam-ˌpī(-ə)r-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce vampirism (audio)
1
: belief in vampires
2
: the actions of a vampire

Examples of vampirism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While the plot is as convoluted and silly as in the last film — Dr. Edelmann tries to cure Dracula’s vampirism through blood transfusions, among other developments — there’s slightly more cohesion. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025 Known for his suave leading roles, Jourdan depicts vampirism as a mark of haughty aristocracy rather than an outright curse. Celia Mattison, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024 Instead, Morbius becomes a bloodsucker and, with the help of Dr. Martine Bancroft (Adria Arjona), tries desperately to temper that pesky vampirism. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 Guillermo Del Toro’s debut film is a radical departure from Dracula and his batty ilk, as vampirism is reimagined as a side effect of the immortality granted by a wondrous mechanism created by a 16th-century alchemist. James Grebey, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for vampirism

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vampirism was circa 1796

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Cite this Entry

“Vampirism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vampirism. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

vampirism

noun
vam·​pir·​ism -ˌpī(ə)r-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce vampirism (audio)
: a sexual perversion in which gratification is obtained by the drawing of blood
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