n.
Pronunciation: ' w ī (- ə )ld
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English wilde, from Old English; akin to Old High German wildi wild, W gwyllt
Date: before 12th century
1 a : living in a state of nature and not ordinarily tame or domesticated < wild ducks> b (1) : growing or produced without human aid or care < wild honey> (2) : related to or resembling a corresponding cultivated or domesticated organism c : of or relating to wild organisms <the wild state>
2 a : not inhabited or cultivated < wild land> b : not amenable to human habitation or cultivation also : DESOLATE
3 a (1) : not subject to restraint or regulation : UNCONTROLLED also : UNRULY (2) : emotionally overcome < wild with grief> also : passionately eager or enthusiastic <was wild to own a toy train ― J. C. Furnas> b : marked by turbulent agitation : STORMY <a wild night> c : going beyond normal or conventional bounds : FANTASTIC < wild ideas> also : SENSATIONAL d : indicative of strong passion, desire, or emotion <a wild gleam of delight in his eyes ― Irish Digest >
4 : UNCIVILIZED , BARBARIC
5 : characteristic of, appropriate to, or expressive of wilderness, wildlife, or a simple or uncivilized society
6 a : deviating from the intended or expected course < wild spelling ― C. W. Cunnington> <the throw was wild > also : tending to throw inaccurately <a wild pitcher> b : having no basis in known or surmised fact <a wild guess>
7 of a playing card : able to represent any card designated by the holder
– wild · ish \ ' w ī (- ə )l-dish \ adjective
– wild · ness \ -n ə s \ noun