sanguinaire

bloodthirsty

adjective sahn-gee-NER Rare

Origin: Latin sanguinarius (of blood)

Usage Note

Sanguinaire describes a person, regime, or act driven by a desire to shed blood, making it stronger and more literary than simply violent. It is invariable for gender — un tyran sanguinaire and une dictature sanguinaire use the same form. Do not confuse with sanguin (sanguine, blood-related) or the plant sanguinaire (bloodroot).

Examples

"Le dictateur avait une réputation sanguinaire."

Natural Translation

The dictator had a bloodthirsty reputation.

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