barbarity

[bahr-bar-i-tee]

noun

plural

barbarities 

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 the film finally gets to its Grand Guignol climax, it rushes through the barbarity, taking no delight in it.

From Los Angeles Times

As the games’ barbarity increases, the survivors’ enthusiasm for risk grows.

From Salon

But Harris didn’t leave it to the imagination, outlining a litany of barbarities that await should Trump slink back into the Oval Office: Journalists and his political opponents jailed.

From Los Angeles Times

The sheer barbarity of these scenes may explain why they haven’t garnered more attention.

From Los Angeles Times

"The comedy of manners plays with the mores of civilization; it can lose its charm when civilisation succumbs to barbarity. In life, as in comedy, timing is essential."

From BBC

Related Words

• brutality 
• cruelty 
• inhumanity 
• vulgarity