fierce

[feers]

adjective

fiercer, fiercest 

1. menacingly wild, savage, or hostile.

   fierce animals;

   a fierce look.

   Synonyms: murderous, bloodthirsty, barbarous, brutal, fell, cruel
   Antonyms: mild, tame

2. violent in force, intensity, etc..

   fierce winds.

   Synonyms: passionate, furious, turbulent

3. furiously eager or intense.

   fierce competition.

   Synonyms: turbulent, passionate, furious

4. extremely bad or severe.

   a fierce cold.

fierce

/ fɪəs /

adjective

1. having a violent and unrestrained nature; savage

   a fierce dog

2. wild or turbulent in force, action, or intensity

   a fierce storm

3. vehement, intense, or strong

   fierce competition

4. informal,  very disagreeable or unpleasant

Other Word Forms

• fiercely adverb
• fierceness noun
• overfierce adjective
• unfierce adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fierce¹

First recorded in 1300–1350; from Middle English fiers, fers, from Old French fiers, fers, from Latin ferus “wild, fierce”; feral ¹, ferocious

Word History and Origins

Origin of fierce¹

C13: from Old French fiers , from Latin ferus

Synonym Study

Fierce, ferocious, truculent suggest vehemence and violence of temper, manner, or action: fierce in repelling a foe. Ferocious implies fierceness or cruelty, especially of a bloodthirsty kind, in disposition or action: a ferocious glare; ferocious brutality toward helpless refugees. Truculent suggests an intimidating or bullying fierceness of manner or conduct: His truculent attitude kept them terrified and submissive.

Example Sentences

The company's administrators said retailers were facing "challenging times" with rising costs and fierce competition for consumer spending.

From BBC

It was a rousing farewell for Mary Roy, fierce and untamed in life and on the page.

From BBC

Tennessee rookie QB Cam Ward will have a tough debut against a fierce Denver pass rush.

From Los Angeles Times

But not long after, a fierce storm rolled through the area.

From Los Angeles Times

"His fierce intellect, coupled with a wonderful curiosity and extraordinary passion for knowledge, marks him out as one of the broadcasting greats," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• angry 
• bold 
• brutal 
• cutthroat 
• dangerous 
• ferocious 
• fiery 
• furious 
• intense 
• murderous 
• passionate 
• powerful 
• raging www.thesaurus.com
• relentless 
• savage 
• stormy 
• strong 
• terrible 
• vehement 
• vicious