- (especially of people or animals) angry and aggressive in a way that is frightening
- a fierce dog
- Two fierce eyes glared at them.
- He suddenly looked fierce.
- She spoke in a fierce whisper.
- The more she struggled, the fiercer he became.
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- (especially of actions or emotions) showing strong feelings or a lot of activity, often in a way that is violent
- fierce loyalty
- the scene of fierce fighting
- He launched a fierce attack on the Democrats.
- Competition from abroad became fiercer in the 1990s.
- His wife is his fiercest critic.
- The bill was passed despite fierce opposition.
- (of weather conditions or temperatures) very strong in a way that could cause damage
- fierce wind
- the fierce heat of the flames
Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French fiers ‘fierce, brave, proud’, from Latin ferus ‘untamed’.
Idioms
See fierce in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee fierce in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishsomething fierce
- (North American English, informal) very much; more than usual
- I sure do miss you something fierce!
Check pronunciation:
fierce