barbarity

[ bahr-bar-i-tee ]

noun

, plural bar·bar·i·ties.

1. brutal or inhuman conduct; cruelty.
2. an act or instance of cruelty or inhumanity.
3. crudity of style, taste, expression, etc.

barbarity

/ bɑːˈbærɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being barbaric or barbarous
2. a brutal or vicious act
3. a crude or unsophisticated quality, style, expression, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbarity¹

1560–70; < Latin barbar ( us ) ( barbarous ) + -ity

Example Sentences

When Peter’s turn came, he said he hoped that his son didn’t get shot at in climate-induced barbarity and that he did not starve.

From ProPublica

As they now live out their wildest dreams, their barbarity has cost the U.S. far more.

From The Daily Beast

It might appear senseless but that is appearance only, our bafflement before such barbarity.

From The Daily Beast

The two Chechen wars, fought in 1994-96 and 1999-2000, were almost unparalleled in their barbarity in the postwar era.

From The Daily Beast

The people here retained the same paganism and barbarity, only they were not so dangerous, being conquered by the Muscovites.

From Project Gutenberg

I could find in the Bible more instances of Jahweh's cruelty and barbarity and lack of mercy than I can find room for.

From Project Gutenberg

It is curious that the Indians of the new world, should so very far exceed all the savage tribes of the old in barbarity.

From Project Gutenberg

It was only Dutch, a foolish charm, a heritage of barbarity and ignorance, but I was too weary to protest.

From Project Gutenberg

Galerius, an Illyrian herdsman, but exhibited more conspicuously upon the throne of empire the native barbarity of his character.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brutality
• cruelty
• inhumanity
• vulgarity