Fierce (?), a. [Compar. Fiercer (?); superl. Fiercest (?).] [OE. fers, fiers, OF. fier, nom. fiers, fierce, savage, cruel, F. fier proud, from L. ferus wild, savage, cruel; perh. akin to E. bear the animal. Cf. Feral, Ferocity.] 1. Furious; violent; unrestrained; impetuous; as, a fierce wind.

His fierce thunder drove us to the deep.

2. Vehement in anger or cruelty; ready or eager to kill or injure; of a nature to inspire terror; ferocious. "A fierce whisper." Dickens. "A fierce tyrant." Pope.

The fierce foe hung upon our broken rear.

Thou huntest me as a fierce lion.

3. Excessively earnest, eager, or ardent.

Syn. -- Ferocious; savage; cruel; vehement; impetuous; barbarous; fell. See Ferocious.

-- Fierce"ly, adv. -- Fierce"ness, n.

• Extremely violent, severe, ferocious or savage.
       
• A fierce storm battered the coast.
  
• Resolute or strenuously active.
       
• We made a fierce attempt to escape.
  
• Threatening in appearance or demeanor.
       
• The lion gave a fierce roar.
  
• Irish rural slang
       
• very; 'twas fierce cold
       
• excellent; Q: "How was the pary last night?" A: "Fierce!"