adj.
Pronunciation: ' firs
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: fierc · er ; fierc · est
Etymology: Middle English fiers, from Anglo-French fer, fers, fiers, from Latin ferus wild, savage; akin to Greek th ē r wild animal
Date: 14th century
1 a : violently hostile or aggressive in temperament b : given to fighting or killing : PUGNACIOUS
2 a : marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence <a fierce argument> b : extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense < fierce pain>
3 : furiously active or determined <make a fierce effort>
4 : wild or menacing in appearance
– fierce · ness noun
synonyms FIERCE , FEROCIOUS , BARBAROUS , SAVAGE , CRUEL mean showing fury or malignity in looks or actions. FIERCE applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack < fierce warriors>. FEROCIOUS implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality <a ferocious dog>. BARBAROUS implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people < barbarous treatment of prisoners>. SAVAGE implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion <a savage criminal>. CRUEL implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it <the cruel jokes of schoolboys>.