ferocity

noun

fe·​roc·​i·​ty fə-ˈrä-sə-tē How to pronounce ferocity (audio)
: 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.
However, Locatelli met the ball with ferocity, unleashing a powerful volley that goalkeeper Mile Svilar had absolutely no chance of stopping. Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 For all of their ferocity, the storms did not produce significant amounts of rain in the south and southwest suburbs. Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 The story captured, as few did, the breadth and ferocity of the coming attack on the federal government. Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025 Over the years, Musk has made himself into a contemporary saint of overwork, laboring with a ferocity at once stunning and pathological. Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 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 22 Apr. 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!