Formidable in appearance or demeanour; of stern, forbidding or harsh aspect, suggesting a cruel or unbending disposition. †Also, in weaker sense…

Of, relating to, or characterized by sadism; cruel.

= sadistic, adj.

= Neanderthal, adj. Usually figurative: = Neanderthal, adj. 2.

Of, relating to, or characteristic of de Sade or his writing (see etymology at sadism, n.).