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Wolfish: meaning, definitions and examples

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wolfish

 

[ ˈwʊl.fɪʃ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

animal-like behavior

Wolfish describes a behavior or appearance that resembles or is characteristic of a wolf. It often implies a sense of predation or rapacity, reflecting a fierce or greedy nature.

Synonyms

feral, predatory, rapacious, voracious

Examples of usage

  • He gave her a wolfish grin.
  • The wolfish attitude of the predator sent shivers down her spine.
  • They moved with a wolfish stealth through the forest.

Translations

Translations of the word "wolfish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lobo

🇮🇳 भेड़िया जैसा

🇩🇪 wolfartig

🇮🇩 serigala

🇺🇦 вовчий

🇵🇱 wilczy

🇯🇵 狼のような

🇫🇷 loup

🇪🇸 lobo

🇹🇷 kurt gibi

🇰🇷 늑대 같은

🇸🇦 ذئبي

🇨🇿 vlčí

🇸🇰 vlčí

🇨🇳 狼的

🇸🇮 volčji

🇮🇸 úlfur

🇰🇿 қасқырдай

🇬🇪 მგლის მსგავსი

🇦🇿 qurd kimi

🇲🇽 lobo

Etymology

The word 'wolfish' originates from the Old English word 'wulfisc,' which retains a close relation to 'wolf' in its formative roots. 'Wulfisc' can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*wulfiskaz,' which is derived from Proto-Indo-European '*wŁ̥bʰo,' meaning 'wolf.' The term has evolved to portray qualities associated with wolves—both literal traits of the animal and metaphorical characteristics implicated in human behavior. In English literature, 'wolfish' is often used to invoke imagery of cunningness and ferocity, establishing a connection not just to the physical attributes of wolves, but to their social and predatory behaviors, often mirrored in human actions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,424 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.