1
of an animal
: not under human control : wild
savage [=wild] beasts
2
: very cruel or violent
a savage criminal
He was the victim of a savage attack/beating.
a savage battle
The coast was lashed by savage storms.
3
: very critical or harsh
savage criticism
He wrote savage satires about people he didn't like.
4
old-fashioned + offensive
: having a way of life that is simple and not highly advanced : uncivilized or primitive
a savage country/tribe
plural savages
1
old-fashioned + offensive
: a person who has a way of life that is simple and not highly advanced
a wild savage
2
: a person who is very violent or cruel
What kind of savage could have committed such a terrible crime?
savages; savaged; savaging
: to attack or treat (someone or something) in a very cruel, violent, or harsh way
He looked like he'd been savaged by a wild animal.
A hurricane savaged the city.
The newspapers savaged his reputation.
Cite this Entry
“Savage.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/savage. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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