fierce

fierce [fıəs US fırs] adj

[Date: 1200-1300; : Old French; Origin: fiers, from Latin ferus 'wild']

1.) done with a lot of energy and strong feelings, and sometimes violent

▪ There was fierce fighting in the city.

fierce attack/opposition/criticism etc

▪ The government's policies came under fierce attack.

▪ The plan has evoked a fierce debate.

▪ fierce competition between the companies

2.) a fierce person or animal is angry or ready to attack, and looks very frightening

▪ fierce guard dogs

▪ She turned round, looking fierce.

3.) fierce emotions are very strong and often angry

▪ These people take fierce pride in their independence.

4.) fierce cold, heat, or weather is much colder, hotter etc than usual

▪ a fierce wind

5.) sth fierce

AmE spoken more loudly, strongly etc than usual

▪ It was snowing something fierce.

>fiercely adv

>fierceness n [U]