feral
FEHR-uhl
/ˈferəl/
Existing in a wild or untamed state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication.
Feral is distinct from 'wild'. A wild animal (like a wolf) has never been domesticated. A feral animal (like a stray street cat) belongs to a domesticated species but has reverted to a wild, unmanaged state.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'ferus', meaning wild or untamed, which also gave us 'ferocious'. It entered English to describe animals that had broken free from human control and returned to their ancestral, wild habits.
Word relationships
- untamed: 'Untamed' can apply to any wild animal, whereas 'feral' specifically implies a domestic species that has returned to the wild.
- wild: 'Wild' refers to species that naturally live in nature without human history, while 'feral' refers to escaped domesticates.
- domesticated: Bred and adapted over generations to live with humans.
- tame: Individually trained to be gentle and cooperative with humans.
Commonly confused with
- wild: A tiger is wild; a stray housecat living in the woods is feral.
Word family
- ferality (noun): The state of being feral or wild.
- feralize (verb): To return to a wild or untamed state.
Collocations
- feral cat
- feral swine
- feral state
Example sentences
- "The introduction of feral pigs to the island devastated the native plant populations and caused severe soil erosion." An environmental report on island ecosystems.
- "Volunteers set up feeding stations for the feral cat colonies living in the abandoned industrial park." A city initiative to manage stray animals.
Memory hook
Feral sounds like 'fear all'. A feral animal is wild and fears all humans. Feral animals fear all and run wild.
When not to use
Do not use 'feral' to describe animals that have never been domesticated, such as lions, sharks, or wild eagles.
Fun facts
- Australia has a massive population of feral camels, which were originally imported in the 19th century for transport and then released into the wild.
Related words
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