Definition & Meaning of "savage"in English

savage

ADJECTIVE

wild and uncontrollable in force or behavior

untamed

Grammatical Information

Composition

Simple

qualitative

Superlative

savagest

Comparative

savager

gradable

Examples

The savage wolf attacked without warning.

showing extreme cruelty or a lack of compassion

aggressive

barbaric

barbarous

brutal

cruel

Examples

The attack on the village was a savage display of violence.

(of a person) living in a raw, undeveloped state without organized society or culture

uncivilized

Examples

The explorers believed the island was inhabited by savage tribes.

wild and violent in nature

deep

extreme

fierce

grave

intense

Examples

The savage storm battered the coastline, leaving destruction in its wake.

bold, fearless, or impressively blunt, often used as playful praise

Slang

What does "savage" mean in slang?

The term "savage" describes someone who is bold, unapologetically blunt, or impressively ruthless in speech or actions. The structure originally meant wild or uncivilized, but in modern slang it has shifted to praise for sharp wit or fearless behavior. It is commonly used online and in casual speech to compliment someone who delivers a harsh truth, a strong insult, or acts without restraint. Context determines tone: it can be admiring or mildly critical.

Examples

She made a savage move in the game and won.

Savage

NOUN

a person considered to be uncivilized or barbaric

barbarian

heathen

Offensive

Grammatical Information

Animacy status

Human

Composition