# bloodthirsty

/ˈbɫədˌθɝsti/ (US) · /blˈʌdθɜːsti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bloodthirsty
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

wanting to see or do violence and bloodshed. You use this to describe someone who enjoys watching or causing fights and injuries.

For teachers: characterised by a desire for or enjoyment of violence and bloodshed. Often used to describe a person's temperament or a specific event's atmosphere.

## Examples

- The crowd was bloodthirsty and cheered loudly for the fight.
- The movie's graphic violence was criticized as bloodthirsty and unnecessary for the plot.
- The general's reputation as a bloodthirsty leader preceded him, as his previous campaigns were marked by a brutal disregard for civilian safety.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.