1. of, relating to, or resembling a hyena
Usage: formal or technical usage
2. having qualities associated with hyenas, such as being fierce, cruel, or laughing in a wild manner
Usage: figurative or literary

Examples

• The hyenic features of the ancient skull suggested it belonged to a large predator.
• His hyenic laughter echoed through the empty hallway, unsettling everyone nearby.
• The documentary explored the hyenic behavior of the pack as they hunted across the savanna.
• She described his cruel remarks with a hyenic quality that made her shudder.
• The hyenic nature of the villain made him one of the most memorable characters in the novel.