transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈfirs ]
adjective
( fierc·er ; fierc·est )
Etymology: Middle English fiers, from Anglo-French fer, fers, fiers, from Latin ferus wild, savage; akin to Greek thēr 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