Pronunciation: [mˈaŋkɪlə] (IPA) 
The word "mankiller" is spelled as /mænˈkɪlər/. The first syllable, "man", is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "cat". The second syllable, "kill", is pronounced with the "i" sound as in "sit". The final syllable, "er", is pronounced with the schwa sound, which is the unstressed "uh" sound. The word refers to a person or animal that has the ability or tendency to cause harm or death to humans.
Mankiller, also known as man-eater, refers to a predatory animal, particularly a carnivorous mammal or reptile, that has exhibited a pattern of attacking and killing human beings. The term commonly describes an individual animal that has developed a habit or preference for preying on humans, rather than their natural prey. This behaviour may arise due to a variety of factors, including habitat encroachment, depletion of regular food sources, or injuries that may hinder the animal from effectively hunting its usual prey.
Mankillers often pose a significant threat to human populations residing in close proximity to their habitats or territories. Examples of notorious mankillers include certain tigers, lions, leopards, crocodiles, and sharks. Instances of man-eating animals have been recorded throughout history in various regions worldwide, particularly in areas where humans coexist with wildlife.
The identification and elimination of mankillers have historically been a priority for authorities, particularly when their actions pose a significant threat to human safety. In conservation efforts, understanding the reasons behind an animal's shift towards human predation can help develop strategies to mitigate such conflicts without resorting to lethal measures, such as relocation, habitat restoration, or deterrent methods.
Overall, "mankiller" describes a predatory animal that has demonstrated a repeated inclination to hunt and prey upon humans, potentially leading to fatal or harmful encounters.
The word "mankiller" is derived from the combination of two words - "man" and "killer".
The word "man" comes from Old English "mann", which in turn traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "mannaz". It has Indo-European roots and is related to other Germanic languages such as German "Mann" and Dutch "man".
The word "killer" comes from the Middle English word "killere", which came from the Old English word "cyllera". The term ultimately originates from the Proto-Germanic word "khiloz", which meant "strike" or "hit".
When "man" and "killer" are combined, they create the term "mankiller" which refers to something or someone that kills or causes harm to men. It is often used to describe dangerous animals or situations where there is a high risk to human life.
