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caníbal

cannibal

adjective noun kah-NEE-bahl Rare
People & Society Community

Origin: From Spanish caníbal, first recorded by Columbus, from Carib kanibal (person of the Carib people).

Usage Note

Caníbal can function as a noun (a cannibal) or an adjective (cannibalistic). The word entered European languages through Columbus's journals, where it was associated with the Carib people of the Caribbean. The plural caníbales keeps the written accent. It is rarely used metaphorically in Spanish compared to English.

Examples

"Las tribus caníbales inspiraron leyendas de exploradores."

Natural Translation

The cannibal tribes inspired explorers' legends.

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