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

• fierceness noun
• fiercely adverb
• 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

But it has faced fierce opposition from several member states and the right wing of the European Parliament -- treading carefully around agricultural interests since protests over EU red tape swept the bloc last year.

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In France, Macron’s overhaul faced fierce opposition from the left and unions who argued that it didn’t take into account workers who started at an early age or have physically demanding jobs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

How do you share a film set with a notoriously fierce bird of prey?

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The carrier is contending with fierce competition that has put pressure on its pricing and ability to attract new customers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Today, fierce disputes between Moscow and Washington about limiting weapons and delivery systems have become exponentially more difficult with Beijing’s rise as a near-peer competitor.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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