bestial

adjective bes·tial \ˈbes-chəl, ˈbesh-, ˈbēs-, ˈbēsh-\

: resembling or suggesting an animal or beast : very cruel, violent, etc.

Full Definition of BESTIAL

a : of or relating to beasts

b : resembling a beast

a : lacking intelligence or reason

b : marked by base or inhuman instincts or desires : brutal

— bes·tial·ize \-chə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb

— bes·tial·ly \-chə-lē\ adverb

See bestial defined for English-language learners

See bestial defined for kids

Origin of BESTIAL

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin bestialis, from bestia beast

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BESTIAL

Synonyms: animalistic, beastly, brutal, brute, brutish, feral, ferine, subhuman, swinish

Synonym Discussion of BESTIAL

brutal, brutish, bestial, feral mean characteristic of an animal in nature, action, or instinct. brutal applies to people, their acts, or their words and suggests a lack of intelligence, feeling, or humanity <a senseless and brutal war>. brutish stresses likeness to an animal in low intelligence, in base appetites, and in behavior based on instinct <brutish stupidity>. bestial suggests a state of degradation unworthy of humans and fit only for beasts <bestial depravity>. feral suggests the savagery or ferocity of wild animals <the struggle to survive unleashed their feral impulses>.

Learn More About BESTIAL

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "bestial"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "bestial"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: bestialityPrevious Word in the Dictionary: best goldAll Words Near: bestial

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up bestial? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site