: the quality or state of being ferocious
the ferocity of the lion's attack

Examples of ferocity in a Sentence

the ferocity of the lion's attack We were stunned by the ferocity of the storm.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Real-life inspired, set in early ‘90s Belfast, a coming-of-age tale in which a young British paratrooper has to choose between the ferocity of military life and the euphoria of the burgeoning rave scene which unites Catholic and Protestants teens. John Hopewell, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025 Those things should be attacked with the same ferocity as alcohol. Jessi Roti, Bon Appétit, 20 Feb. 2025 Eruptions of size and ferocity are associated with a variety of long-term characteristics. Robert Lea, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2025 Still, the ferocity of the fires exceeded what firefighters could manage. Lauren Sommer, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ferocity

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ferocity was in 1606

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ferocity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferocity. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ferocity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!