Animal-like

Possessing characteristics, behaviors, or appearances that resemble those of animals, particularly mammals, reptiles, birds, or insects. This term often implies a focus on instinctual drives, physical attributes, and a lack of higher-level cognitive functions, or an emphasis on a primitive or base state of being. The comparison is often drawn to highlight a perceived lack of refinement, emotional complexity, or human qualities such as reason, empathy, or complex social structures. The term can apply to actions, features, or general temperament, and is used across various fields from biology to social commentary.

Animal-like meaning with examples

• The creature's guttural growls and predatory stance gave it an unequivocally animal-like demeanor. Its sharp claws and fangs were reminiscent of a large predator, devoid of any sense of civility or social grace. This demonstrated a primitive existence driven by the most basic impulses of survival.
• The chaotic scenes following the collapse of the power grid seemed to trigger animal-like behavior in the crowd; looting, fighting, and a disregard for laws ensued as the basic needs took precedence and any civilized behavior went out the window.
• The film depicted a character who, after suffering severe trauma, began to exhibit animal-like traits, such as sleeping in the wilderness, eating raw food, and abandoning all forms of human contact, as his higher functions were shutting down.
• Scientists observed that some robots, developed with advanced AI, started to exhibit behaviors that were unexpectedly animal-like, such as seeking shelter and mimicking complex movements of various species, suggesting a certain level of adaptive learning.
• During his trial, the defendant's lawyer argued that his client had acted in an animal-like state of pure self-preservation; driven by fear and incapable of rational thought. Therefore, the jury should consider him not fully responsible for his violent actions.