fierce

[ feers ]

adjective

, fierc·er, fierc·est.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈfierceness, noun
• ˈfiercely, adverb

Other Words From

• fierce·ly adverb
• fierce·ness noun
• o·ver·fierce adjective
• un·fierce 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

Whether communities like Las Posas Estates and Camarillo Heights can truly beat fire in such an environment, though, remains a topic of fierce debate among scientists.

From Los Angeles Times

But with baby milk, parents had fierce loyalty towards their favoured brand so if a supermarket demanded too low a price, a supplier would just take the product somewhere else, he said.

From BBC

One of Southgate's other big qualities was an ability to foster a fierce sense of unity in England's squad, not something that will be helped by suggestions from the captain that some may be more interested in club than country.

From BBC

Both have been fierce Trump defenders from the start.

From BBC

That pressure is very often from players and managers in the fierce hothouse of elite-level football, trickling right down to the grassroots.

From BBC

Related Words

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