/ fɪəs; NAmE fɪrs/ adjective ( fier·cer , fier·cest )
1.
( especially of people or animals ) angry and aggressive in a way that is frightening :
a fierce dog
Two fierce eyes glared at them.
He suddenly looked fierce.
She spoke in a fierce whisper.
2.
( especially of actions or emotions ) showing strong feelings or a lot of activity, often in a way that is violent :
fierce loyalty
the scene of fierce fighting
He launched a fierce attack on the Democrats.
Competition from abroad became fiercer in the 1990s.
3.
( of weather conditions or temperatures ) very strong in a way that could cause damage :
fierce wind
the fierce heat of the flames
► fierce·ly adverb :
'Let go of me,' she said fiercely.
fiercely competitive
The aircraft was burning fiercely.
► fierce·ness noun [ U ]
•
IDIOMS
- something fierce
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French fiers fierce, brave, proud, from Latin ferus untamed.