fierce

Adjective
Synonyms: ferociousfurioussavagetearingvehementviolenttrigger-happycutthroatbowellessboisterousrough

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (4)

  1. marked by extreme and violent energy“a ferocious beating”“fierce fighting”“a furious battle”Synonyms: ferociousfurioussavage
  2. marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid“fierce loyalty”“in a tearing rage”“vehement dislike”“violent passions”Synonyms: tearingvehementviolenttrigger-happy
  3. ruthless in competition“cutthroat competition”“bowelless readiness to take advantage”Synonyms: cutthroatbowelless
  4. violently agitated and turbulent“boisterous winds and waves”“the fierce thunders roar me their music — Ezra Pound”“rough weather”“rough seas”Synonyms: boisterousrough
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Fierce \Fierce\, a. [Compar. Fiercer; superl. Fiercest.] [OE. fers, fiers, OF. fier, nom. fiers, fierce, savage, cruel, F. fier proud, from L. ferus wild, savage, cruel; perh. akin to E. bear the animal. Cf. Feral, Ferocity.]

1.Furious; violent; unrestrained; impetuous; as, a fierce wind. [1913 Webster]

His fierce thunder drove us to the deep.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

2.Vehement in anger or cruelty; ready or eager to kill or injure; of a nature to inspire terror; ferocious. "A fierce whisper." --Dickens. "A fierce tyrant." --Pope. [1913 Webster]

The fierce foe hung upon our broken rear.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
Thou huntest me as a fierce lion.— Job. x. 16.[1913 Webster]

3.Excessively earnest, eager, or ardent.

Syn: Ferocious; savage; cruel; vehement; impetuous; barbarous; fell. See Ferocious. -- Fierce"ly, adv. -- Fierce"ness, n. [1913 Webster]

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