ravening

[ rav-uh-ning ]

adjective

1. rapacious; voracious.

noun

1. rapacity.

ravening

/ ˈrævənɪŋ /

adjective

1. (esp of animals such as wolves) voracious; predatory

Derived Forms

• ˈraveningly, adverb

Other Words From

• raven·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ravening¹

First recorded in 1520–30; raven ² + -ing ², -ing ¹

Synonym Study

See ravenous.

Example Sentences

If you believe he's the second coming, mind your Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

From Salon

His premise here: Widower Robert Neville, sole survivor of a plague that’s turned everyone else in L.A. into ravening but stupid stalkers, fortifies his house against assault every night, all the while pining for someone to love.

From Los Angeles Times

He avoided opportunities to address the ravening reporters.

From Washington Post

Even as they have unarguably reaped the benefits of celebrity, both the Sussexes and Anderson have been savaged in the name of public interest, too often fed by ravening paparazzi and an endlessly grinding media mill that takes delight in giving, withholding and demanding payment for that “interest.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a beautiful, unthreatening creature because in this movie — as in “The Night of the Hunter,” which references “ravening wolves” in sheep’s clothing — the gravest menace is people.

From New York Times

Related Words

• atrocious
• barbarous
• bloody
• brutal
• cold-blooded
• destructive
• ferocious
• fierce
• harsh
• inhuman
• inhumane
• merciless
• murderous
• relentless
• ruthless
• sadistic
• unrelenting
• violent