beast

beast · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An animal, especially a large or dangerous four-footed one.

  2. 2.

    A cruel, violent, or uncivilized person.

  3. 3.

    [informal]Something formidable or impressive.

  4. 4.

    A thing or matter of a specified kind.

Forms

plural: beasts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    beast of burden — An animal used for carrying loads.
  • •
    the nature of the beast — The inherent character of something.
  • •
    Beauty and the Beast — A famous fairy tale.
  • •
    beast mode — **[slang]** A state of intense effort or performance.

Related words

See also: animal, beasts, creature, monster
Synonyms: animal, brute, creature, monster

Etymology

From Old French beste ("animal, beast"), from Latin bēstia ("beast, animal").