savage

¹sav·age

adj \ˈsa-vij\

Definition of SAVAGE

1

a : not domesticated or under human control : untamed <savage beasts> b : lacking the restraints normal to civilized human beings : fierce, ferocious <a savage criminal>

2

: wild, uncultivated <seldom have I seen such savage scenery — Douglas Carruthers>

3

a : boorish, rude <the savage bad manners of most motorists — M. P. O'Connor> b : malicious

4

: lacking complex or advanced culture : uncivilized <a savage country>

— sav·age·ly adverb

— sav·age·ness noun

Examples of SAVAGE

1. He was the victim of a savage attack.
2. The coast was lashed by savage storms.
3. He wrote savage satires about people he didn't like.

Origin of SAVAGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French salvage, savage, from Late Latin salvaticus, alteration of Latin silvaticus of the woods, wild, from silva wood, forest

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SAVAGE

Synonyms: barbarian, barbaric, barbarous, heathen, heathenish, natural, Neanderthal (or Neandertal), rude, uncivil, uncivilized, uncultivated, wild

Antonyms: civilized

Related Words: coarse, crude, primitive, rough; uncouth, uncultured

Near Antonyms: cultured, enlightened, humane, sophisticated; genteel, polished, polite, refined, urbane, well-bred; semicivilized

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at fierce

Rhymes with SAVAGE

ravage