# fierce

Pronunciation: say "FEERS" US /fɪɹs/, UK/AUS /fɪəs/

## Adjective

1. Exceedingly violent, severe, or savage in nature or behavior.
   - Simple: Very violent, cruel, or wild.
   - _The two armies clashed in a fierce battle that raged for days._
   - _Rescuers struggled against fierce floodwaters to reach the stranded family._
2. Threatening or intimidating in appearance or manner.
   - Simple: Looking angry or dangerous in a way that scares people.
   - _The warrior's fierce expression unsettled the younger recruits._
   - _With a fierce scowl, the coach silenced the entire locker room._
3. Marked by resolute determination or intense, strenuous energy.
   - Simple: Very strong and determined when doing something.
   - _Her fierce dedication to the cause inspired everyone around her._
   - _They mounted a fierce defense of their championship title._
4. Of exceptional quality; boldly stylish and brimming with confidence. *(US)*
   - Simple: Very bold, stylish, and impressive.
   - _Her runway walk was fierce, all confidence and attitude._
   - _He served a fierce look in head-to-toe leather._
5. Excellent or very good. *(slang, Ireland)*
   - Simple: Very good or excellent.
   - _The harvest was fierce this year, the best in a generation._
   - _She's a fierce cook, and everyone fights for an invite to dinner._

## Adverb

6. To an extreme degree; very. *(slang, Ireland)*
   - Simple: Very or extremely.
   - _The wind was fierce strong coming off the bay._
   - _She was fierce proud of her son's achievement._

## Origin

This word came through Middle English "fers" from Old French "fers" ("wild," "ferocious"), the nominative form of "fer," which came from Latin "ferus" ("wild," "untamed").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/fierce (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).