barbaric

[bahr-bar-ik]

adjective

1. without civilizing influences; uncivilized; primitive.

   barbaric invaders.

2. of, like, or befitting barbarians.

   a barbaric empire; barbaric practices.

3. crudely rich or splendid.

   barbaric decorations.

barbaric

/ bɑːˈbærɪk /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of barbarians

2. primitive or unsophisticated; unrestrained

3. brutal

Other Word Forms

• barbarically adverb
• nonbarbaric adjective
• prebarbaric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbaric¹

1480–90; < Latin barbaricus < Greek barbarikós. See barbarous, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbaric¹

C15: from Latin barbaricus foreign, outlandish; see _barbarous

Synonym Study

See barbarian.

Example Sentences

"Our thoughts are with all the innocent victims impacted and we expect the relevant authorities to hold those responsible for these barbaric acts to account."

From BBC

Until Putin stops his "barbaric assault", that allies would "keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions", he added.

From BBC

Druze residents of Suweida told the BBC they had witnessed "barbaric acts" as gunmen - government forces and foreign fighters - attacked people.

From BBC

Over the last five days, Rima says she has witnessed "barbaric" scenes.

From BBC

"This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back," McLaughlin wrote on X.

From BBC

Related Words

• barbarous 
• brutal 
• cruel 
• inhuman 
• uncivilized 

When To Use

What does barbaric mean?

Barbaric means crude, uncivilized, or primitive. It’s often used to describe things that are cruel or brutal in a way that’s considered entirely uncivilized.Barbaric is also used to describe things that involve people considered barbarians—people who are extremely crude and uncivilized.The term barbarian was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to refer to any foreigner. In ancient and medieval times, it was variously used to refer to non-Greeks, non-Romans, and non-Christians. The term eventually became associated with a stereotypical image of barbarians as primitive and brutish.Like the word savage, the word barbarian can be very offensive due to its use to dehumanize the people that it’s applied to, especially in a way that calls attention to their otherness or the supposed primitiveness of their culture or customs. Barbaric can also imply these same things, especially when it’s applied to the practices of a culture other than one’s own.The related word barbarous also means uncivilized, crude, or cruel.Example: We need to put an end to this barbaric violence.