IPA: /ˈvæm.pɪr.ɪ.zəm/
KK: /væmˈpɪrɪzəm/
The belief in or behavior associated with vampires, often involving the idea of blood-drinking and supernatural powers.
In literature, vampirism is often depicted as a curse that grants immortality at a terrible cost.
Vampirism is formed from "vampire" (from the French "vampyre", which itself comes from the Hungarian "vampir", meaning a creature that drinks blood) and the suffix "-ism" (meaning a practice or belief). The term "vampirism" refers to the practice or belief associated with vampires, particularly the act of drinking blood.
Think of the word 'vampire' as a creature that drinks blood, and '-ism' indicates a practice or belief. This helps you remember that 'vampirism' is the belief or practice related to vampires.