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

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

During a press conference on Sunday, Mr Bessone described the "unprecedented savagery" of the 15-year-old's murder linked to a feud between two gangs known as the "DZ Mafia" and the "Blacks".

From BBC

Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, phoned President Joe Biden and told him that “We’ve never seen such savagery in the history of the state”; not “since the Holocaust.”

From BBC

It’s all presented with the eerie air of a very dark comedy, the sort where sudden savagery can come crashing through the wall at any second.

From New York Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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