savagery

[ sav-ij-ree ]

noun

, plural sav·age·ries.

1. an uncivilized or barbaric state or condition; barbarity.
2. savage action, nature, disposition, or behavior.

savagery

/ ˈsævɪdʒrɪ /

noun

1. an uncivilized condition
2. a savage act or nature
3. savages collectively

Other Words From

• pre·savage·ry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of savagery¹

First recorded in 1585–95; savage + -ry

Example Sentences

Whatever Pratt imagined for Indian schools as an answer to Indian persecution, the schools became, in the early decades especially, places of repression, punishment, and occasional savagery.

From Los Angeles Times

This cyclical siphoning becomes a ritual for Agatha, as illustrated by a truly incredible sequence that lets Hahn don through-the-decades drag as she proves that her savagery is timeless.

From Salon

He said if someone comes between something Lazarus desires, “she is capable of that level of savagery and violence” again.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s paternal savagery delivered with love — we think.

From New York Times

Donald Trump has repeatedly referenced Hannibal Lecter and used other language and imagery of depraved and inhuman savagery to describe non-white migrants, immigrants, and refugees.

From Salon

Related Words

• barbarism
• barbarity
• brutality
• depravity
• ferocity
• inhumanity
• malice
• persecution
• ruthlessness
• severity
• viciousness