WordGarden.ioferocious
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /fərˈəʊʃəs/
US
- /fərˈoʊʃəs/
Meanings
Adjective
fierce, savage, or violently aggressive
extremely intense, forceful, or severe
Beyond the definition
Imagine a lion leaping at its prey. That is the kind of image this word brings to mind. It describes something very fierce, violent, or full of strong force. A ferocious storm is not just rainy; it has howling winds and crashing waves. The word is often used for animals, but it can also describe people, attacks, arguments, or competition when they feel unusually harsh or intense. Think of a mother bear protecting her cubs. That is the kind of raw power and danger this word suggests.
The word ferocious describes something that is extremely fierce, violent, or aggressive. It does not just mean strong. It suggests danger, force, and a wild or uncontrolled quality. The word is often used for animals, such as a ferocious tiger or a ferocious dog, but it can also describe people, weather, attacks, or competition.
A ferocious attack is brutal and forceful. A ferocious storm feels violent and dangerous. A ferocious competitor is not simply trying hard; they compete with great intensity and can seem intimidating. The word often carries a negative feeling, especially when it suggests cruelty or violence, but it is also used more broadly for anything that feels unusually strong or severe.
Think of a scene in a story: "The wolf gave a ferocious growl before it charged." Or picture a sports match: "The home team made a ferocious comeback in the second half." In both cases, the word adds a sense of force, danger, and intensity. Ferocious is a strong word for moments when something feels powerful enough to shock, threaten, or overwhelm.
Examples
- 1
Wild animals
The bear became ferocious when the hikers got too close to her cubs.
- 2
Angry reaction
She gave him a ferocious look and slammed the door.
- 3
Military resistance
The rebels put up ferocious resistance as the army moved into the city.
- Phraseferocious resistance
very strong and hard to defeat
- 4
Political criticism
The senator launched a ferocious attack on the new budget plan.
- Patterna ferocious attack on + target
very strong public criticism of it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Job market
Competition for graduate jobs is ferocious this year.
- 6
Hunger
After the long swim, I had a ferocious appetite.
- Phrasea ferocious appetite
a very strong desire to eat
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- ferocious animal
- ferocious dog
- ferocious attack
- ferocious predator
Word family
Explore
- violence
- animal aggression
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ferociousadjective