fell

UK: fɛl | US: fɛl

Definition

  1. adj. cruel or fierce

  2. vt. to cut down (a tree)

  3. n. a stretch of barren or hilly land (chiefly British)

  4. n. an animal’s hide or skin (archaic)

Structure
fell <fierce>fell <cut down>fell <land>
Etymology

The word "fell" has three distinct origins:

  1. The adjective meaning "fierce" traces back to Old Norse fjallr, reflecting Viking influence on English.
  2. The verb "to cut down" stems from Old English fellan, linked to violent action.
  3. The noun for "barren land" comes from Old Norse fjall, describing Scandinavia’s rugged terrain. Despite identical spelling, these meanings evolved separately.
Examples

  1. The warlord gave a fell smile before the battle.

  2. They will fell the diseased oak tomorrow.

  3. Hikers crossed the windswept fells of the Lake District.

  4. (Archaic) The hunter prepared the fell of a deer.

  5. His fell temper frightened the children.