凶猛

• Pinyin: xiōng měng
• Hanzi breakdown: 凶 = 凵 + 乂 (fierce); 猛 = 犭 + 孟 (powerful/vigorous)

Meaning

Ferocious and powerful; violent and overwhelming in force or energy.

Used for wild animals, natural forces, military attacks, or competitive performances that combine fierce aggression with raw power. Stronger than 凶恶 in conveying physical intensity.

Examples

1. 山洪凶猛地倾泻而下，瞬间淹没了山谷中数个村庄，当地居民被迫紧急疏散。 A ferocious flash flood poured down the mountains, instantly submerging several villages in the valley and forcing residents to evacuate urgently.
2. 这头老虎凶猛异常，动物园工作人员每次进入围栏前都要做好充分的安全准备。 This tiger is exceptionally ferocious, and zoo staff have to make thorough safety preparations every time they enter the enclosure.
3. 对方球队进攻凶猛，我方防线在压力下一度出现松动，险些丢球。 The opposing team’s attack was fierce, and under the pressure our defense briefly loosened, nearly conceding a goal.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, animals, sports, military

Tone: intense

Do Say

• 猛兽凶猛，野外遇见时切勿惊慌逃跑，应保持冷静并缓慢撤离。(Wild beasts are ferocious; if you encounter one outdoors, do not panic and run but remain calm and retreat slowly.)
• 敌军进攻凶猛，我方守军以顽强的意志坚守阵地长达三昼夜。(The enemy's assault was ferocious; our defenders held the position for three full days and nights with tenacious resolve.)

Don't Say

• 凶猛的冷漠 — 凶猛 requires physical force or aggressive energy; for emotional detachment use 冷漠 or 麻木 alone; abstract states cannot be 凶猛

Origin & History

凶 (fierce/ferocious) + 猛 (powerful/vigorous) — fierce and powerful combined

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional to Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal