bestial

Bestial is an adjective with several related senses. In its primary sense it relates to animals: something animal-like or beastly. It can describe physical traits, senses, or behavior that recall a beast, such as “bestial strength” or “bestial appetite.” In older or more formal usage, it has also been applied to sexual acts involving animals; in contemporary English this sense is usually expressed with the noun “bestiality” rather than the adjective, and it is typically encountered in legal, academic, or sensitive discussions rather than everyday language. A third figurative sense describes behavior that is cruel, violent, or depraved—actions that are described as bestial when they appear to lack humane restraint and resemble animal ferocity.

Etymology and history: From Latin bestia meaning “beast” or “animal,” the term entered English via Old French and Middle English; its sense extended from literal animal references to metaphorical uses describing ferocity or crude conduct.

Usage and nuance: In modern writing, “bestial” can carry a strong negative load. Some editors prefer “animalistic” or “brutal” as alternatives depending on nuance. The term should be used with care when discussing human behavior or sexual topics, to avoid dehumanizing implications.

See also: Related terms include bestiality, animalistic, brutish, savage, and beastly. See also topics such as animal welfare, ethics, and law for contexts where discussions of animal-related conduct arise.