Origin: French suffix -age
Savage has 12 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Adjective · Proper Noun
A person living in a traditional, especially tribal, rather than civilized society, especially when viewed as uncivilized and uncultivated; a barbarian.
"The explorer described the indigenous tribe he encountered as savage because they lived according to ancient customs rather than modern laws."
In plain English: A savage is an uncivilized person who lacks basic social manners and behaves brutally toward others.
"The savage attacked his prey with terrifying speed and strength."
Usage: As a noun, "savage" refers to an indigenous person from a non-industrialized tribe who is often stereotyped as primitive. Use this term only when describing historical contexts or specific anthropological discussions, avoiding it entirely in modern conversation due to its offensive and derogatory connotations regarding race and culture.
attack brutally and fiercely
"The lion savagely attacked the gazelle, tearing into its flesh before it could escape."
To attack or assault someone or something ferociously or without restraint.
"The starving lion savaged the zebra, tearing into its flesh without any mercy."
In plain English: To savage something means to attack it violently and destroy it completely.
"The bear savaged the hunter's tent with its sharp teeth before running off into the woods."
without civilizing influences
"barbarian invaders"
"barbaric practices"
"a savage people"
"fighting is crude and uncivilized especially if the weapons are efficient"
"wild tribes"
Wild; not cultivated.
"The savage landscape was untouched by human hands, filled with wild vines and untamed trees."
A surname.
"The famous explorer John Savage mapped several rivers in northern Canada during his expeditions."
The word "savage" comes from Old French and originally meant something wild or untamed like a forest animal. It entered English through Middle English, carrying that same sense of being fierce or uncivilized rather than referring to the woods themselves.