► violent using force to hurt or kill people – used about people, crimes etc. Also used about films or books that contain a lot of violence: · a violent man who couldn’t control his temper· the increase in violent crime· The film is too violent to be shown to children.
► vicious violent and dangerous, and seeming to enjoy hurting people for no reason: · a vicious attack on an unarmed man· We were surrounded by a gang of vicious thugs, armed with knives.
► rough using force or violence, but not causing serious injury: · Some of the boys were being a bit rough with the younger kids.· There were complaints about rough treatment by the police.
► brutal behaving in a way that is very cruel and violent, and showing no pity: · Idi Amin was a brutal dictator.· a particularly brutal murder· The prison guards were brutal and corrupt.
► savage attacking people in a particularly cruel way – used about people and fighting, especially in news reports: · a savage killer· There was savage fighting in the capital Mogadishu.
► bloody a bloody battle or war is very violent and a lot of people are killed or injured: · a bloody civil war· The Russians were engaged in a bloody battle against the German army.
► ferocious a ferocious attack or battle is extremely violent. Also used about animals that are likely to attack in a very violent way: · The two armies fought a ferocious battle.· a ferocious beast· It was the most ferocious attack I have ever seen.
► fierce a fierce animal or person looks frightening and likely to attack people: · A fierce dog stood growling at the gate.· Bears are always fierce when they have young.· fierce bodyguards
► bloodthirsty a bloodthirsty person enjoys watching violence. A bloodthirsty story contains a lot of violent scenes: · In Mexico, humans were sacrificed to bloodthirsty gods.· a bloodthirsty tale of revenge
► gory showing or describing injuries, blood, death etc clearly and in detail: · a gory horror movie· The book was too gory for many readers.