bestial

[ bes-chuhl, bees- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or having the form of a beast:

   the belief that a person could assume bestial form after death;

   the bestial signs of the zodiac.

2. without reason or intelligence; brutal; inhuman:

   bestial treatment of prisoners.

3. beastlike in gratifying one's sensual desires; carnal; debased.

bestial

/ ˈbɛstɪəl /

adjective

1. brutal or savage
2. sexually depraved; carnal
3. lacking in refinement; brutish
4. of or relating to a beast

Derived Forms

• ˈbestially, adverb

Other Words From

• bestial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bestial¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, either from Anglo-French or directly from Late Latin bēstiālis ( Latin bēsti(a) beast + -ālis -al ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bestial¹

C14: from Late Latin bestiālis , from Latin bestia beast

Example Sentences

Bestial signifies amongst Scottish agriculturists cattle generally, the whole aggregate number of beasts on the farm.

From Project Gutenberg

Bestial, in modern usage, implies an intensified and degrading animalism.

From Project Gutenberg

Bestial in the uncertain light Hanuman leered with his carven mask.

From Project Gutenberg

Bestial, best′i-al, adj. like a beast: rude: brutally sensual.

From Project Gutenberg

Best′ialism, irrationality; Bestial′ity, beastliness: disgusting vice.

From Project Gutenberg