atrocity

[ uh-tros-i-tee ]

noun

, plural a·troc·i·ties.

1. the quality or state of being atrocious.
2. an atrocious act, thing, or circumstance.

atrocity

/ əˈtrɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. behaviour or an action that is wicked or ruthless
2. the fact or quality of being atrocious
3. usually plural acts of extreme cruelty, esp against prisoners or civilians in wartime

Word History and Origins

Origin of atrocity¹

1525–35; < Latin atrōcitās, equivalent to atrōci- (stem of atrōx ) fierce + -tās -ty ²

Example Sentences

It is a remnant of a national atrocity that should not be tolerated in prisons or anywhere else.

From Los Angeles Times

And that is before Zaun radicals violently attack a memorial service honoring the survivors of Jinx’s atrocity.

From Salon

It is not the first time footage of alleged atrocities by government-affiliated fighters have circulated online.

From BBC

But the atrocities described in the report have not ceased: For example, the stun grenade dropped on a polio vaccination clinic during a humanitarian pause, wounding several children.

From Salon

The report said it found "unprecedented" levels of international law violations, raising concerns about "war crimes and other possible atrocity crimes".

From BBC

Related Words

• barbarity
• brutality
• crime
• evil
• horror
• inhumanity