Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Resembling a beast; showing lack of human sensibility: Characterized by behavior that is brutal, savage, or depraved, lacking the qualities of reason, compassion, or morality associated with humanity.
   • Of or relating to beasts; animal-like: Pertaining to the nature or characteristics of an animal, especially in a crude or base manner.

Usage

The adjective "bestial" is used to describe actions, qualities, or behaviors that are extremely cruel, violent, or depraved, to the point of being considered characteristic of a wild animal rather than a human being. It carries a strong negative connotation of moral degradation.

Examples

• The invaders were accused of bestial cruelty toward the civilian population.
• His bestial rage frightened everyone in the room.
• The documentary exposed the bestial conditions in the prison.

Advanced Usage

• "bestial instincts": Refers to primal, uncivilized urges, such as those related to violence or unchecked desire.
  • In the chaos, some people reverted to their bestial instincts for survival.
• "bestial appearance": Can describe a physical semblance to an animal, though it is more commonly used for behavior.
  • The mythological creature had a bestial appearance, with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle.

Variants and Related Words

• Bestiality (noun):
  • Behavior or an action that is beastly or brutal.
  • (In specific legal/sexual contexts) Sexual relations between a human and an animal.

Synonyms

• Brutal: Savagely violent.
• Savage: Fierce, violent, and uncontrolled.
• Beastly: (Informal) Very unpleasant; also resembling a beast.
• Brutish: Resembling or characteristic of a brute; coarse, stupid.
• Inhuman: Lacking human qualities of compassion and mercy.
• Feral: (Especially of an animal) In a wild state, particularly after escape from captivity; can be extended to mean savage.

Antonyms

• Humane: Having or showing compassion or benevolence.
• Civilized: At an advanced stage of social and cultural development.
• Compassionate: Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
• Gentle: Mild in temperament or behavior; kind or tender.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "sink to bestial levels": To degrade oneself to a state of extreme brutality or depravity.
  • The conflict caused some soldiers to sink to bestial levels of violence.
• "bestial roar": A roar that is loud, fierce, and animal-like.
  • The monster let out a bestial roar that echoed through the valley.

Adjective

1. resembling a beast; showing lack of human sensibility
   • beastly desires
   • a bestial nature
   • brute force
   • a dull and brutish man
   • bestial treatment of prisoners