Vampirism is the practice of drinking blood from a person/animal. In folklore and popular culture, the term generally refers to a belief that one can gain supernatural powers by drinking human blood.

The historical practice of vampirism can generally be considered a more specific and less commonly occurring form of cannibalism. The consumption of another's blood (and/or flesh) can be used to reflect various spiritual beliefs such as gaining the strengh or abilities of the defunct. It may be also used as a tactic of psychological warfare intended to terrorize the enemy.