savage
[ sav-ij ]
/ ˈsæv ɪdʒ /
adjective
noun
verb (used with object), sav·aged, sav·ag·ing.
to assault and maul by biting, rending, goring, etc.; tear at or mutilate: numerous sheep savaged by dogs.
to attack or criticize thoroughly or remorselessly; excoriate: a play savaged by the critics.
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Origin of savage
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English savage, sauvage (adjective), from Middle French sauvage, salvage, from Medieval Latin salvāticus, for Latin silvāticus, equivalent to silv(a) “woods” + -āticus adjective suffix
SYNONYMS FOR savage
synonym study for savage
1. See cruel.
historical usage of savage
English savage is also spelled saveage, sauvage, salvage in Middle English. Middle English also has the spellings Sawage and Suvage for surnames. The Middle English forms come from Old French sauvage, salvage, savage and Anglo-French sawage. The Old French and Anglo-French forms come from Medieval Latin salvāticus, a modification of Latin silvāticus “pertaining to forests or scrubland,” a derivative of the noun silva “woodlands, forest.”
The (now offensive) noun sense “a person or a people living in a wild, uncivilized state” dates from the second half of the 16th century. The senses “cruel, brutal person” and “rude, uncouth person” both date from the early 17th century.
The (now offensive) noun sense “a person or a people living in a wild, uncivilized state” dates from the second half of the 16th century. The senses “cruel, brutal person” and “rude, uncouth person” both date from the early 17th century.
OTHER WORDS FROM savage
Words nearby savage
sauve qui peut, Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, sav, Sava, savage, Savage Island, savagery, Savage's Station, savagism, Savaii
Definition for savage (2 of 2)
Savage
[ sav-ij ]
/ ˈsæv ɪdʒ /
noun
Michael Joseph, 1872–1940, New Zealand statesman and labor leader: prime minister 1935–40.
Richard, 1697?–1743, English poet.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for savage
British Dictionary definitions for savage (1 of 2)
savage
/ (ˈsævɪdʒ) /
adjective
noun
verb (tr)
to criticize violently
to attack ferociously and woundthe dog savaged the child
Derived forms of savage
savagedom, nounsavagely, adverbsavageness, nounWord Origin for savage
C13: from Old French sauvage, from Latin silvāticus belonging to a wood, from silva a wood
British Dictionary definitions for savage (2 of 2)
Savage
/ (ˈsævɪdʒ) /
noun
Michael Joseph. 1872-1940, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1935-40)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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