Final answer:
Lycanthropy refers to the transformation into a wolf or the belief of being able to do so, and it is central to the lore of werewolves, which have been depicted in cultural works from ancient times to modern fiction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term lycanthropy is often used to describe the mythical transformation of a person into a wolf, as depicted in folklore, fantasy, and horror stories. This transformation is central to the legend of werewolves, creatures that are part human and part wolf. In many cultures, werewolves are viewed as beings that can willingly or unwillingly transform, especially under the influence of a full moon. The myth of werewolves has historical roots and has been a popular subject from ancient Roman literature, such as the Satyricon by Petronius, to Victorian-era novels that reflect societal fears of hidden monstrosities, as in the cases of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Dracula.
Lycanthropy as a term also has a more clinical application, referring to a psychological condition in which a person believes themselves to be a non-human animal, but in the cultural context, it's largely associated with the legendary werewolves.