Why are dire wolves named dire?

Dire wolves are an extinct species of wolf that lived in North America during the Pleistocene epoch. They were much larger than modern wolves, with some individuals reaching up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) in length and 90 centimetres (3 ft) in height at the shoulder. The name "dire" comes from the Latin word "dirus", which means "terrible" or "fierce". This name was given to the wolf because of its large size and formidable appearance.