sparagmos

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek σπαραγμός (sparagmós).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /spəˈɹaɡməs/

Noun

sparagmos (uncountable)

1. The ritual tearing apart of a hero.
   • 1990, Camille Paglia, Sexual Personae:

     Dionysian sparagmos was an ecstasy of sexual excitation and superhuman strength.

Usage notes

For example, used in reference to Dionysus and his cousin Pentheus.