# savagely

/ˈsævɪdʒɫi/ (US) · /sˈævɪdʒli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/savagely
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

in a very violent, cruel, or brutal way. You use this to describe an attack or a comment that is very harsh and hurts someone.

For teachers: in a violent, cruel, or brutal manner. Often describes physical attacks or metaphorical criticism that is exceptionally harsh.

## Examples

- The dog savagely attacked the intruder.
- The critic savagely reviewed the new play, calling it a complete waste of time and talent.
- The storm savagely battered the coastline, leaving a trail of destruction that would take years for the local community to fully recover from.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.