savage
Translation
savage, ferocious, brutal, uncivilized
Examples
It was a savage attack by a wild animal.
It was a savage attack by a wild animal.
He received savage criticism from the press.
He received savage criticism from the press.
Grammar Patterns
((a/the)) savage ((noun)) describing something as fierce or cruel. It was a savage attack.
Similar Words
Synonyms: brutal, fierce, wild; Antonyms: civilized, gentle, mild
Etymology
From Old French 'salvage', from Latin 'silvaticus' (of the woods), from 'silva' (wood, forest).
Memory Tips
Think of something 'of the woods' (silva), wild and untamed.