fierce

Etymology

From Middle English fers, fiers, borrowed from Old French fers (“wild", "ferocious”), nominative of fer, from Latin ferus (“wild", "untamed”).

adj

1. Exceedingly violent, severe, ferocious, cruel or savage.
   A fierce storm battered the coast.
   I felt a fierce loyalty to my family.
2. Resolute or strenuously active.
   We made a fierce attempt to escape.
   Yet his passion for her had grown fiercer than ever, and he swore to himself that he would win her back from her phantasies. She, one may believe, was ready enough to listen. 1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide
3. Threatening in appearance or demeanor.
   The lion gave a fierce roar.
4. (slang, Ireland, rural) Excellent, very good.
   Q: "How was the party last night?" A: "Fierce!"
5. (slang, US, LGBT, fashion) Of exceptional quality, exhibiting boldness or chutzpah.
   Tyra said to strike a pose and make it fierce.

adv

1. (slang, Ireland, rural) Extremely; very.
   It was fierce cold last night.