Beast
/biːst/noun
A large and often dangerous animal; a creature that is not human.
Did you know?The word 'beast' is linked to the Latin 'bestia', which was often used to describe terrifying creatures in ancient mythology and folklore.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰes-
“to roar or make noise, suggesting an animal's wild nature.”
Latin
Latin
bestia
“a wild animal or beast, often associated with savagery.”
Old French
Old French
beste
“a beast or animal, particularly one that is fearsome.”
Middle English
Middle English
beest
“any animal, especially a large or wild one.”
Modern English
English
beast
“a term for an animal, especially a wild or savage one.”
Explore more surprising origins