fierce
- adjective
- /fɪrs/
- She is a fierce woman, sir.
- fierce competition
- fierce battle
- fierce debate
Last year we have a very fierce debate on that.
- Last year we have a very fierce debate on that.
- And, and he's a fierce, ruthless character.
- And it you know me, me being fierce doesn't mean that I underpay.
- And again, there wasn't, there was this really fierce belief that this was a meritocracy.
Examples
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I come from a long line of fierce warriors and great hunters.
Academic text (2008) -
Outside parliament, however, the new rod licence law met with fierce opposition from among fishermen and boatmen.
Academic text (1992) -
First, yes, at first they were so fierce, but then...
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"And though she be but little, she is fierce."
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The fighting was fierce, but Spanish morale remained high.
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Some fierce storms have passed.
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But a month later, after a fierce debate in Parliament, her citizenship was reinstated.
Academic text (2008) -
Due to the fierce blizzard outside, I am stranded here.
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He is a fierce fighter, but an even fiercer friend.
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The fighting was so fierce that both sides had to call for a ceasefire.
Synonyms
Having great power or influence over people
Using strong force that causes harm
A very strong feeling or quality you feel deeply
Having very strong feelings about something
Determined and energetic in trying to reach goals
Very angry and ready to shout or complain
A person or thing that is very powerful and makes people feel respect and fear
Having a lot of strength and energy
Full of strong, often angry feelings
Very strong and violent in a way that hurts or scares
Showing strong power and clear confidence in speech or actions
Full of energy and ready to argue or fight
Feeling very strong excitement or love for something
Very fierce and violent and often cruel
Showing no care for others when trying to win
Very loud and harsh in a way that feels unpleasant
Showing very strong feeling that is hard to ignore
Very active and full of strong, lively energy
A person who is strong and may threaten or hurt others
Very strong and intense, often violent and out of control
Brave and determined when facing danger or difficulty
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
How Fierce
Surface Forms
Etymology
Fierce comes from an old Latin word ferus meaning 'wild' and arrived in English through French, and you can see the same idea in the word ferocious. So fierce describes something with wild, strong energy or anger, which is why we use it for people, animals, storms, or intense competition.