Definitions

1. verb

to represent a person, especially a historical figure, as an animal, typically for humorous or satirical effect

“The cartoonist animalised the politician by depicting him as a snarling bear.”

2. verb

to give something a characteristic associated with animals, such as instinct or ferocity

“The film animalises the struggle for survival in the wild.”

3. noun

the process of representing a person, especially a historical figure, as an animal, typically for humorous or satirical effect

“The artist’s use of animalisation in her portraits was highly acclaimed.”