n. the attribution of human characteristics to nonhuman entities for example, animals, deities, plants, and objects. Although this cannot be empirically proven, it remains an aspect of popular culture – as reflected in imagination. 2. in comparative psychology the tendency of humans to interpret non-human animal behavior in terms of human feelings, behaviors, and emotions. See also Lloyd Morgan’s canon. Compare zoomorphism.
ANTHROPOMORPHISM: “A person concerned with anthromorphism may consider his or her cat to be excited, grateful, or happy to receive food.”