English
Etymology
From Ancient Greek lykanthropos (λ�κανθ���ο�), from lykos, wolf, + anthropos man, human
Noun
lycanthropy
- mythology The act of shape-shifting between the form of a man (human being) and a wolf, often done during a full moon, according to legend.
- A delusion in which one believes oneself to be a wolf or other wild animal.
Usage notes
The myth may originate from the disease w:lupus erythematosus|lupus erythematosus, which causes those afflicted to grow extra hair and to shun sunlight. "Lupus" is Latin for "wolf".
Translations
German: der Lykanthrop n
Related terms
lycanthrope
See also
werewolf
shapeshift
shape-shift
External links
Wikipedia article on w:Lycanthropy|Lycanthropy
Category:Greek derivations
vi:lycanthropy
zh:lycanthropy
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