Ferocious
/fəˈroʊ.ʃəs/noun
Fierce, wild, or savagely cruel in nature or behavior.
Did you know?The word 'ferocious' has roots in ancient Rome, where it described not just animals but also fierce, relentless warriors in battle.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
ferox
“wild, untamed, fierce, savage.”
Old French
Old French
feroc
“fierce, savage, brutal.”
14th Century
Middle English
ferocius
“fierce, savage, or cruel.”
Modern English
English
ferocious
“characterized by extreme fierceness or violence.”