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feral

[ˈfɛrəl]

feral Definition

  • 1(especially of an animal) in a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication
  • 2having reverted to the wild state, as from domestication

Using feral: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "feral" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The feral cat was too wild to be adopted as a pet.

  • Example

    The abandoned dog had become feral and was living on its own in the woods.

  • Example

    The feral child was discovered living with a pack of wolves.

  • Example

    The feral pigs were causing damage to the crops.

feral Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for feral

Phrases with feral

  • the natural behavior of an animal that has returned to the wild

    Example

    The feral instinct of the wolf pack was to hunt for food.

  • a group of feral animals that live together in a specific area

    Example

    The feral colony of cats was causing problems in the neighborhood.

  • a child who has lived in isolation from human contact from a very young age and has no experience of human care, loving or social behavior, and, crucially, of human language

    Example

    The feral child was discovered living with a pack of wolves.

Origins of feral

from Latin 'feralis', meaning 'of or belonging to the dead'

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Summary: feral in Brief

The term 'feral' [ˈfɛrəl] refers to animals that are in a wild state, especially after escaping from captivity or domestication. It can also refer to humans who have lived in isolation from human contact from a very young age and have no experience of human care, loving or social behavior, and, crucially, of human language. The term is often used to describe the behavior of wild animals, such as 'The feral cat was too wild to be adopted as a pet.'

How do native speakers use this expression?