To deprive something of animal qualities or characteristics, or to make it less animal-like.
From dis- (reversal, removal) + animal (living creature with sensation and movement). Animal comes from Latin animalis, derived from anima meaning 'soul' or 'spirit,' as animals were thought to possess life force.
Philosophers have used this concept when discussing how humans can 'disanimal' themselves through reason and culture—it's the opposite of how we sometimes describe going feral or 'losing the animal within.'
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