fierce

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English

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Etymology

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From Middle English fers, fiers, borrowed from Old French fers (wild", "ferocious), nominative of fer, from Latin ferus (wild", "untamed).

Pronunciation

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Adjective

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fierce (comparative fiercer or more fierce, superlative fiercest or most fierce)

  1. Exceedingly violent, severe, ferocious, cruel or savage.
    A fierce storm battered the coast.
  2. Resolute or strenuously active.
    We made a fierce attempt to escape.
    I feel a fierce loyalty to my kin.
    • 1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide:
      Yet his passion for her had grown fiercer than ever, and he swore to himself that he would win her back from her phantasies. She, one may believe, was ready enough to listen.
  3. Threatening in appearance or demeanor.
    The lion gave a fierce roar.
  4. (slang, Ireland, rustic) Excellent, very good.
    Q: "How was the party last night?" A: "Fierce!"
  5. (US, LGBTQ slang, fashion) Of exceptional quality, exhibiting boldness or chutzpah.
    Tyra said to strike a pose and make it fierce.

Synonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Adverb

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fierce (not comparable)

  1. (slang, Ireland, rustic) Extremely; very.
    It was fierce cold last night.

References

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Anagrams

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