Vampire
/ˈvæm.paɪər/noun
A mythical creature that subsists by feeding on the life essence (usually in the form of blood) of the living.
Did you know?The word 'vampire' may derive from an old Slavic term meaning 'to suck,' connecting it to ancient rituals of blood and life force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Slavic
PSl
*vampir
“A being that drinks blood or life force.”
Old French
OF
vampire
“A blood-sucking creature, often associated with death and the supernatural.”
17th Century
English
vampyre
“An adaptation of the French term, gaining popularity through literature and folklore.”
19th Century
English
vampire
“A widely recognized term for blood-sucking creatures in popular culture, heavily influenced by Gothic literature.”