[fierce] adj fierc.er ; fierc.est [ME fiers, fr. MF, fr. L ferus wild, savage; akin to Gk ther wild animal] (14c) 1 a: violently hostile or aggressive in temperament b: given to fighting or killing: pugnacious
2. a: marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence "a ~ argument" b: extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense "~ pain"
3: furiously active or determined "make a ~ effort"
4: wild or menacing in appearance -- fierce.ly adv -- fierce.ness n syn 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".