ferocious
UK: fəˈrəʊʃəs | US: fəˈroʊʃəs
adj. extremely fierce, violent, or savage
adj. intense or extreme in degree
ferocious = feroc<savage> + ious<adjective suffix>
- feroc (from Latin ferox, meaning "fierce, wild")
- ious (adjective-forming suffix, indicating "full of" or "having the quality of")
Etymology Origin:
The word "ferocious" traces back to Latin ferox (wild, bold), derived from ferus (wild beast). The suffix -ious was added in English to form an adjective meaning "full of fierceness." Over time, it evolved to describe not just physical savagery but also extreme intensity (e.g., "ferocious appetite"). The logic follows: ferox (wild) → ferocious (wildly intense).
The tiger gave a ferocious roar.
She has a ferocious determination to succeed.
The storm brought ferocious winds and rain.
Critics launched a ferocious attack on the new policy.
Despite his ferocious appearance, the dog was gentle.