Definitions
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.
- adjective Hostile and violent, especially by nature or temperament; ferocious.
- adjective Characterized by or showing hostility.
- adjective Extremely powerful or destructive.
- adjective Intense in activity or feeling; vigorous or ardent.
from The Century Dictionary.
- Wild, as a beast; savage; ferocious; having a cruel or rapacious disposition or intention: as, a fierce lion; a fierce pursuer.
- Ferocious in quality or manifestation; indicating or marked by savage cruelty or rage.
- Violent; vehement; impetuous; passionate; ardent.
- Wild; disordered; dreadful.
- Strong; powerful.
- Great; large (of number).
- Brisk; lively.
- Sudden; precipitate.
- =Syn. 1–3. Infuriate, fell, fiery, passionate, barbarous, rapacious, ravenous.
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- adjective Furious; violent; unrestrained; impetuous.
- adjective Vehement in anger or cruelty; ready or eager to kill or injure; of a nature to inspire terror; ferocious.
- adjective Excessively earnest, eager, or ardent.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- adjective Extremely
violent ,severe ,ferocious orsavage . - adjective
Resolute or strenuouslyactive . - adjective
Threatening inappearance ordemeanor . - adjective slang, Ireland, rural very, excellent.
- adjective slang, US Of exceptional quality, exhibiting
boldness orchutzpah .
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- adjective ruthless in competition
- adjective marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid
- adjective violently agitated and turbulent
- adjective marked by extreme and violent energy
Etymologies
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
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Examples
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Grey was at his computer, his expression fierce as his fingers flew over the keyboard.
Dark Warrior Untamed Alexis Morgan 2010
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Grey was at his computer, his expression fierce as his fingers flew over the keyboard.
Dark Warrior Untamed Alexis Morgan 2010
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Bryce tore his mouth from hers to stare down at her, his expression fierce with desire.
A PROPER AFFAIR VICTORIA MALVEY 2001
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He said that at least 10 rebels were killed and more than 30 wounded in what he described as fierce urban warfare.
Gaddafi forces attack rebels anew, even as regime appears to seek talks 2011
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He said that at least 10 rebels were killed and more than 30 wounded in what he described as fierce urban warfare.
Gaddafi forces attack rebels anew, even as regime appears to seek talks 2011
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The government of Greenland awarded new exploration licenses to seven international energy companies in November, including Cairn, amid what it described as fierce competition for access.
Cairn Plans Further Greenland Exploration James Herron 2011
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He swung around to face her, his expression fierce.
The Devil Wears Plaid Teresa Medeiros 2010
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You know, 40 years ago, Dr. King challenged America to act on what he called the fierce urgency of now.
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And Iraq issues more threats this past weekend, promising that America would suffer heavy losses in what it called a fierce war if it were attacked.
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He was the designer who once used the word "fierce" to describe a pair of chaps, made "hot tranny mess" a catchphrase and wore his hair in a style that looked like a result of electroshock therapy.
The Seattle Times 2012
fiercecupcake commented on the word fierce
I love the way that the "f" and the "i" collide in some fonts, and I love noticing whether they do in whatever font I'm reading. (Not in the wordie.org font!)
June 17, 2009
skipvia commented on the word fierce
Then you might enjoy this page about typographic ligatures, fc.
June 17, 2009
qroqqa commented on the word fierce
Huh, 6 days ago I observed that 'fluffiness' has two ligatures (in proper print), and coincidentally used the word 'decline'.
June 17, 2009
reesetee commented on the word fierce
Fascinating article, skip--thanks! I had no idea that the ampersand began life as a ligature.
June 17, 2009
skipvia commented on the word fierce
That was news to me too, rt.
June 17, 2009