vorare

Vorare is a Latin verb meaning to devour or to swallow, used in classical texts to describe the act of consuming something entirely. In contemporary English-language usage, the term is encountered mostly through the related concepts of vore and vorarephilia, which refer to fantasy or fetish scenarios involving swallowing or being swallowed. These terms are primarily used within online communities, fan fiction, and art scenes rather than in mainstream discourse.

Modern vore content typically features fantastical or anthropomorphic beings—such as creatures, monsters, or shapeshifted characters—engaged in imagined consumption or containment. The material can be non-sexual or sexualized, and it is generally treated as a niche subculture focused on fantasy rather than real-world practice. The vocabulary surrounding it, including the suffix -philia, reflects a blend of classical roots with contemporary internet culture, with origins in online furry and fantasy communities during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Ethics and safety discussions emphasize that vore is a fantasy represented in fiction, art, or roleplay and does not involve real harm. Emphasis is placed on consent, boundaries, and the distinction between fiction and real-life actions. Public portrayals that sensationalize or distress audiences are often criticized, and legality concerns arise when content depicts non-consensual acts or underage participants.

See also: cannibalism in fiction, vore, vorarephilia, furry fandom.