Savager Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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savager
[ˈsavəjər ]
Definition
wild behavior
A savager refers to a person who exhibits untamed or ferocious behavior, often associated with violence or aggression. This term can also describe someone who acts in a brutally harsh manner towards others. The word is commonly used to emphasize the wildness or brutality of one's actions, suggesting an absence of civilized restraint.
Synonyms
barbarian, brutalizer, wildman.
Examples of usage
- The savager attacked without warning.
- Her words were those of a savager, meant to hurt.
- The savager's reputation spread fear in the community.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culture
- Savager has been used in literature to depict characters who are brutal or uncivilized, often reflecting the darker aspects of human nature.
- In film and media, 'savage' characters are often portrayed as survival experts or fierce warriors.
Psychology
- Aggressive behavior can be linked to survival instincts, where intensity and fierceness are seen as advantages in conflict.
- Some psychologists study how savagery in certain situations can be a coping mechanism for stress and fear.
Nature
- Many wild animals exhibit savage behavior when threatened, showcasing their instinct to protect themselves and their territory.
- In ecosystems, being savage can also describe predatory behaviors essential for maintaining balance.
Art
- Visual arts often use savage motifs to represent raw emotion and the untamed human spirit, capturing the duality of beauty and brutality.
- Savagery in performance art can challenge societal norms, provoking thought about the nature of humanity.
Origin of 'savager'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Old French word 'sauvage', which means wild or untamed.
- In English, the word has evolved to describe both nature and human behavior that is fierce and tough.
The term 'savager' originates from the Latin word 'savagus', which means 'wild or untamed', and is derived from 'silva', meaning 'forest' or 'woodland'. The idea conveys a sense of being distant from civilization and behaving in a manner that aligns with primal instincts. Over centuries, the concept evolved into the English word 'savage', which has been used since the Middle Ages. The suffix '-er' indicates an agent, someone who carries out the action of being savage. The evolution of the term highlights societal views on behavior and the distinction between civilized conduct and wildness. As language progressed, 'savager' came to represent not only the physical aspect of wildness but also the emotional and psychological states that drive such behavior.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,334, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.