beast
noun (countable)
UK/biːst/US/biːst/
An animal, especially a large or dangerous one; can also refer figuratively to a person or thing with cruel, savage, or formidable qualities.
Example Sentences
A snarling beast emerged from the dense undergrowth, startling the hikers.
The villagers were afraid to venture into the forest, fearing the legendary beast rumored to roam there.
He struggled with the vacuum cleaner, calling it a beast because of its weight and awkward shape.
In fairy tales, the fearful beast often transforms into a prince once true love breaks the spell.
A powerful beast like a lion demands respect, both for its majestic presence and its predatory prowess.
Her temper can be a real beast when she feels overwhelmed, so she practices breathing exercises to stay calm.
Navigating the city’s rush-hour traffic proved to be a beast of its own, overwhelming and seemingly endless, requiring patience and strategic timing just to cover a few miles.
The new computer program, while extremely efficient once mastered, initially felt like an unruly beast to the team, requiring multiple training sessions and careful documentation before everyone became comfortable with it.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A typically large or savage animal, or a metaphor for brutish behavior.“Beast” generally refers to a wild animal, one that may be untamed, ferocious, or otherwise imposing. Depending on context, the word can describe an actual creature—like a lion, bear, or mythical monster—or figuratively depict someone acting with raw, unrefined force, as in “He turned into a beast on the field.” In older or more literary texts, “beast” can point to any animal, contrasting humans with the rest of the animal kingdom. In casual or slang usage, calling someone “a beast” can sometimes be a compliment, implying incredible skill or unwavering determination (e.g., “She’s a beast at coding”). Yet in more traditional usage, “beast” implies wildness or savage impulses—especially if describing aggression or an absence of civility. Whether you’re labeling an actual predatory animal, praising someone’s overpowering talent, or critiquing brutish conduct, “beast” underscores a raw, potent force, rooted in untamed energy and strength.
Alternatives
If you’d rather not repeat “beast,” suitable synonyms vary by nuance. “Creature” is broader and more neutral, covering any living being, whereas “monster” indicates something terrifying or unnatural. “Brute” leans into the idea of sheer, uncivilized power, often focusing on forceful or violent behavior. If highlighting talent or prowess, using “powerhouse” or “force of nature” conveys a similar sense of awe without the savage undertone. If you’re describing a literal wild animal, “wild animal” or the specific species (like “lion,” “wolf,” or “dragon” in fantasy contexts) can provide clarity. For casual praise of someone’s remarkable abilities, you can say “They’re a powerhouse” or “They’re a machine,” both capturing extraordinary capability. Ultimately, each alternative shifts the image—some leaning magical or grotesque, others referencing skill or raw might—so pick the term that best suits your tone and the context of your statement.
Writing
When writing about a “beast,” focus on what you wish to emphasize. Are you depicting a literal, potentially dangerous animal, or employing it as a metaphor for untamed power? In descriptive passages or fantasy fiction, you might highlight physical traits—“The beast’s massive claws raked the ground”—to intensify danger or mystery. In nonfiction or analytical texts, define whether you’re referencing an actual species or using the term loosely to describe something formidable. Metaphorically, describing someone as a “beast” can be either admiring or critical. In a sports article, you could praise a competitor’s relentless drive with “She played like an absolute beast.” Meanwhile, in social commentary or literary analysis, “beast” might indicate savage, unbridled behavior—“He descended into beastly conduct when provoked.” Offering vivid details—claws, snarls, raw power—can flesh out literal references, whereas highlighting emotional force or unstoppable skill suits metaphorical usage. By pairing the term with context (a wild forest, a competitive arena, or an ethical quandary), you ensure readers grasp whether you mean an actual ferocious creature or a symbolic representation of raw might or lack of refinement.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “beast” can function as simple slang for someone or something demonstrating impressive power or skill—“He’s a beast on the guitar,” for example, implies he’s exceptionally talented. Friends might also compliment strong effort or high achievement by saying, “Wow, you’re a beast!” On social media, people often apply the term to intense workout sessions, killer sports performances, or extraordinary gaming feats—“I crushed that level; I’m a beast!” Occasionally, “beast” appears in hyperbolic statements about animals or scenarios: “That dog’s a real beast,” might tease that the dog’s rowdy or powerful. And if someone is upset or acting aggressively, onlookers might joke, “He’s gone full beast mode.” While it’s primarily a playful or exclamatory word in everyday slang, those unfamiliar with the usage might interpret it literally or negatively, so a little context helps. In general, “beast” in casual speech underscores a dramatic, spirited vibe that celebrates raw energy or skill, whether describing a friend’s achievements or a literal, ferocious critter.
Etymology
“Beast” derives from the Old French “beste,” itself from the Latin “bestia,” signifying an animal or wild creature. Historically, the term distinguished animals from humans, marking them as creatures of lower intellect or untamed nature in medieval Europe. Over time, the word also embraced mythological monsters and metaphors for savage traits or behavior. In literary or religious contexts—like medieval bestiaries—it often carried moral overtones, contrasting noble traits with brutish instincts. By modern times, “beast” retained its reference to powerful or frightening animals but expanded into slang and metaphor, describing anything from an NBA player’s unstoppable drive to a high-performance computer rig (“That PC is a beast!”). While many still link “beast” to a savage creature lurking in forests or fables, everyday usage now includes praise for someone’s intensity or talent, shining a light on how cultural shifts can reshape even the most primal of words. Whether summoning images of mythical creatures, wild predators, or unstoppable human prowess, “beast” continues to evoke raw, elemental force.
