THANATOS

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 26 October 2011

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THANATOS  (n. pl. -ES)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) an instinctual desire for death or self-destruction
2. (n.) death as a philosophical notion or construct

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: (none)
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: thanatosES
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: (none)

Epilogue:
In ancient Greek mythology, Thanatos was the personification of death.  He was said to be the son of Nyx (night) and Erebos (darkness), and his twin brother was Hypnos (sleep).  That must have been a fun household to grow up in, eh?

The modern term THANATOS, also known as “death instinct” or “death wish,” is often contrasted in Freudian theory with eros, meaning “love” — but more broadly in psychological theory: “an instinctual desire for self-preservation and sexual pleasure.”

The Greek thanatos (“death”) also lurks behind words such as:

• THANATOLOGY: the scientific study of death and dying; and the related forms THANATOLOGIST and THANATOLOGICAL
  
• EUTHANASIA: bringing about an easy and gentle death; and the related forms EUTHANASIC, EUTHANIZE (v.), and EUTHANATIZE (v.)
  
• ATHANASY: immortality; deathlessness

This week’s theme: Spooky words

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