Untamable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🦁

Add to dictionary

untamable

[ʌnˈteɪməbəl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

wild animal

Not capable of being tamed or domesticated. Refers to an animal that cannot be trained or controlled by humans.

Synonyms

feral, unmanageable, wild.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
untamable	Typically used to describe animals or people who cannot be controlled or domesticated. It implies an inherent wildness that cannot be subdued. The mustang's untamable spirit made it unfit for captivity Her untamable energy was admired by everyone she met
wild	Broadly used to describe anything that is untamed, unrestrained, or natural. It can refer to nature, behavior, or objects. We spent the weekend exploring the wild forests Her ideas were wild and unconventional
unmanageable	Applied to situations, tasks, or people that are difficult to control or handle. It emphasizes difficulty in management rather than inherent wildness. The project became unmanageable due to lack of planning His unmanageable hair always stuck up in odd directions
feral	Used to describe animals that live in the wild but were once domesticated or any creature that exhibits wild and untamed behavior. Often has a negative connotation. The feral cats roamed the back alleys His behavior became feral after years of isolation

Examples of usage

The lion remained untamable, despite numerous attempts to tame it.
The wild horse proved to be untamable, running free in the open fields.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature

Certain wild animals are considered untamable due to their natural instincts and behaviors.
In ecosystems, untamable natural forces, like hurricanes, can reshape landscapes dramatically.
The untamable behavior of some plant species can be crucial to biodiversity, providing habitats that develop independently.

Literature

In literature, characters deemed untamable often symbolize freedom, rebellion, or the human spirit’s refusal to be constrained.
Classic novels like 'Moby-Dick' feature untamable themes, illustrating the conflict between man and nature.
Poetic interpretations of the untamable often explore themes of love, adventure, or the wildness of life itself.

Psychology

The untamable spirit can represent aspects of personality that resist conformity and societal norms.
In psychological terms, individual traits seen as untamable can lead to creativity and innovation.
The concept of untamability can also be related to the fear of losing control in various aspects of life.

Pop Culture

Movies often feature untamable characters, such as rebellious teens or wild animals, symbolizing freedom and challenge.
Songs about untamable love or life express emotions tied to the unpredictability of relationships.
Fictional franchises like 'The Hunger Games' depict untamable forces representing societal issues and personal battles.

Origin of 'untamable'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'tamable', which means 'able to be tamed'.
It has roots in the Latin word 'tamere', which means 'to tame' or 'to subdue'.
The concept of taming has been used since ancient times, particularly in relation to domesticated animals.

The word 'untamable' originated from the Old French word 'tamer' meaning 'to tame'. The prefix 'un-' was added to indicate the negation of the ability to be tamed. The concept of untamable animals has been present throughout history, with many cultures encountering wild creatures that could not be domesticated.

See also: tame, tameable, tamed, untamed.