ferocity

noun

fe·​roc·​i·​ty fə-ˈrä-sə-tē 

: 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

In Cyprus, many officials have pointed to climate change for the ferocity and speed of recent wildfires that have claimed at least six lives over the last five years. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

But its ferocity led right-wing broadcasters and influencers to start talking about a new kind of urban lawlessness enabled by liberal social policies. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

But the forechecking winger should bring some ferocity to their fourth line, though his physical nature can get him into hot water with the NHL. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 30 June 2026

The ferocity of the sun served as another inspiration for Lin. — Katherine Burns Olson, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ferocity

• atrocity
• monstrosity
• pomposity
• porosity
• precocity
• schistosity
• velocity
• verbosity
• viscosity
• animosity
• curiosity
• generosity