First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
fierce
adjective \ˈfirs\
: very violent
: eager to fight or kill
: having or showing a lot of strong emotion : very strong or intense
fierc·erfierc·est
Full Definition of FIERCE
1
a : violently hostile or aggressive in temperament b : given to fighting or killing : pugnacious
2
a : marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence <a fierce argument> b : extremely vexatious, disappointing, or intense <fierce pain>
3
: furiously active or determined <make a fierce effort>
4
: wild or menacing in appearance
— fierce·ness noun
See fierce defined for English-language learners
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Origin of FIERCE
Middle English fiers, from Anglo-French fer, fers, fiers, from Latin ferus wild, savage; akin to Greek thēr wild animal
Synonym Discussion of FIERCE
fierce, ferocious, barbarous, savage, cruel mean showing fury or malignity in looks or actions. fierce applies to humans and animals that inspire terror because of their wild and menacing aspect or fury in attack <fierce warriors>. ferocious implies extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality <a ferocious dog>. barbarous implies a ferocity or mercilessness regarded as unworthy of civilized people <barbarous treatment of prisoners>. savage implies the absence of inhibitions restraining civilized people filled with rage, lust, or other violent passion <a savage criminal>. cruel implies indifference to suffering and even positive pleasure in inflicting it <the cruel jokes of schoolboys>.
FIERCE Defined for Kids
fierce
adjective \ˈfirs\
fierc·erfierc·est
Definition of FIERCE for Kids
1
: likely to attack <a fierce animal>
2
: having or showing very great energy or enthusiasm <She plays the game with fierce determination.>
3
: wild or threatening in appearance <He brandished a fierce sword.>
4
: characterized by extreme force, intensity, or anger <a fierce fight> <fierce winds>
— fierce·ly adverb
— fierce·ness noun
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