— ferociously , adv. — ferociousness , n.
/feuh roh"sheuhs/ , adj.
1. savagely fierce, as a wild beast, person, action, or aspect; violently cruel: a ferocious beating.
2. extreme or intense: a ferocious thirst.
[ 1640-50; feroc-, s. of ferox savage, fierce ( fer ( us ) wild (see FERAL 1 , FIERCE) + -ox having such an appearance; akin to -OPSIS) + -IOUS ]
Syn. 1. rapacious. See fierce .