Definition

Noun: 1. The quality or state of being wild, untamed, and ferocious: This refers to a primal, uncontrolled, and often violent nature, typically associated with wild animals or forces of nature. 2. Extreme cruelty, brutality, or violence: This refers to behavior or actions characterized by a lack of civilization, mercy, or restraint.

Examples of Usage

• Referring to nature's ferocity:
  • The savageness of the storm terrified the sailors.
  • Explorers wrote about the savageness of the uncharted jungle.
• Referring to human cruelty:
  • The historical account detailed the savageness of the attack.
  • He was shocked by the sheer savageness of the crime.

Advanced Usage

• "with savageness": This adverbial phrase describes an action performed in a wild, brutal manner.
  • The predator struck with savageness.
• Conceptual use to describe art or emotion: It can describe something possessing a raw, primal, and unrestrained quality.
  • The painting was admired for its raw power and savageness of color.

Variants and Related Words

• Savage (adjective): Possessing the qualities of savageness; wild, ferocious, cruel.
  • a savage beast; a savage criticism.
• Savage (verb): To attack ferociously; to criticize brutally.
  • The politician was savaged by the press.
• Savagery (noun): Very similar to "savageness," often used interchangeably. It can also refer to an instance or act of savage behavior.
  • an act of utter savagery.

Synonyms

• Ferocity: Extreme fierceness or violence.
• Brutality: Savage physical violence or cruelty.
• Wildness: The state of being untamed or uncontrolled.
• Viciousness: Deliberate cruelty or violence.
• Barbarity: Extreme cruelty or savagery, implying a lack of civilization.

Antonyms

• Gentleness
• Tameness
• Civility
• Humanity
• Kindness

Related Idioms and Phrases

• The savageness of nature: A common phrase highlighting the powerful, unforgiving, and untamed aspects of the natural world.
  • They were unprepared for the savageness of nature in the Arctic.

Noun

1. the property of being untamed and ferocious
   • the coastline is littered with testaments to the savageness of the waters
   • a craving for barbaric splendor, for savagery and color and the throb of drums