wolfish

[ wool-fish ]

adjective

1. resembling a wolf, as in form or characteristics.
2. characteristic of or befitting a wolf; fiercely rapacious.

Other Word Forms

• wolfish·ly adverb
• wolfish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wolfish¹

First recorded in 1560–70; wolf + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

From the hall leading to the courtyard, the Wolf King walked into the room in his human form, grinning his wolfish grin.

From Literature

He’s several years younger than Adam but considerably more forthright, and Mescal exudes an almost wolfish hunger that at once pulls Adam in and frightens him off.

From Los Angeles Times

Shane's voice was dangerous, dark, exciting, wolfish, a sound once heard never forgotten.

From BBC

In this light, Wikipedia might be seen as a sheep, caught in the jaws of a wolfish technology marketplace.

From New York Times

Will’s wolfish spectre is executed with practical effects, dripping with blood and matted fur.

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