1. a mythical or folkloric condition in which a human being is transformed into a wolf or wolf-like creature, often involuntarily and especially during a full moon
Usage: folklore and mythology; often associated with European legends
2. a delusional psychiatric disorder in which a person believes themselves to be a wolf or to have the ability to transform into one
Usage: clinical/medical; rare psychological condition

Examples

• In medieval European folklore, lycanthropy was blamed for unexplained animal attacks on livestock.
• The werewolf legend is rooted in ancient beliefs about lycanthropy and human-animal transformation.
• Many classic horror stories feature characters afflicted with lycanthropy who struggle to control their bestial nature.
• Psychiatrists have documented rare cases of clinical lycanthropy in patients with severe delusional disorders.
• The full moon is traditionally associated with lycanthropy in popular culture and fiction.