savage

[ sav-ij ]
/ ˈsæv ɪdʒ /

adjective

noun

verb (used with object), sav·aged, sav·ag·ing.

to assault and maul by biting, rending, goring, etc.; tear at or mutilate: numerous sheep savaged by dogs.
to attack or criticize thoroughly or remorselessly; excoriate: a play savaged by the critics.

Origin of savage

1250–1300; Middle English savage, sauvage (adj.) < Middle French sauvage, salvage < Medieval Latin salvāticus, for Latin silvāticus, equivalent to silv(a) woods + -āticus adj. suffix

synonym study for savage

1. See cruel.

OTHER WORDS FROM savage

Example sentences from the Web for savagely

British Dictionary definitions for savagely (1 of 2)

savage
/ (ˈsævɪdʒ) /

adjective

noun

verb (tr)

to criticize violently
to attack ferociously and wound the dog savaged the child

Derived forms of savage

savagedom, noun savagely, adverb savageness, noun

Word Origin for savage

C13: from Old French sauvage, from Latin silvāticus belonging to a wood, from silva a wood

British Dictionary definitions for savagely (2 of 2)

Savage
/ (ˈsævɪdʒ) /

noun

Michael Joseph. 1872-1940, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1935-40)