adj., fierc·er, fierc·est.
- Having a savage and violent nature; ferocious. See synonyms at cruel.
- Extremely severe or violent; terrible: "the fierce thunders roar me their music" (Ezra Pound).
- Extremely intense or ardent: fierce loyalty. See synonyms at intense.
- Strenuously active or resolute: a fierce attempt to escape.
- Informal. Very difficult or unpleasant: a fierce exam.
- Savage or threatening in appearance.
[Middle English fiers, from Old French, from Latin ferus.]
fiercely fierce'ly adv.fierceness fierce'ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
