Terms based on the animal:
* Were- + Animal: This is the most common pattern, used for were-bear, were-panther, were-tiger, etc.
* Lycanthrope: This term is often used more broadly to encompass any human-animal hybrid, but can also be specifically linked to werewolf-like creatures.
* Therianthrope: A broader term for any creature with both human and animal traits, encompassing more fantastical combinations.
Other terms:
* Shape-shifter: This term focuses on the ability to transform, rather than the specific hybrid form.
* Hybrid: This is a scientific term, but can be used in fiction to denote a human-animal mix.
* Beast: This is a general term for a creature with animal characteristics, but can also be used to specifically refer to a hybrid.
In addition to these, many fictional universes have their own unique names for specific hybrids, such as:
* "Wendigo" in some Native American folklore, a monstrous cannibalistic creature that's often depicted as a human-spirit hybrid.
* "Gnoll" in Dungeons and Dragons, a creature that combines human and hyena traits.
The best term to use depends on the context and the specific characteristics of the hybrid in question.