Atrocity - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An atrocity is an extremely cruel or violent act, often causing great suffering or shock. It is commonly used to describe war crimes, brutal massacres, or horrifying injustices.
Definition:
An extremely cruel or brutal act, often involving violence or suffering.
Synonyms:
barbarity, horror, outrage, savagery
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
kindness, benevolence
Common Collocations:
war atrocity, commit atrocity, describe atrocity, prevent atrocity
Derivatives:
atrocious, atrociously
Usage Tips:
Use "atrocity" to describe acts of extreme cruelty, especially in historical or wartime contexts.
Common Phrases:
crimes against humanity, unspeakable atrocity, wartime atrocities
Etymology:
From Latin "atrocitas," meaning cruelty or harshness; related to "atrox" (fierce).
Examples:
- 1. The soldiers were accused of committing an atrocity against civilians.
- 2. News reports exposed the atrocity in shocking detail.
- 3. The dictator’s regime was notorious for its atrocities.
- 4. Survivors recounted the atrocity with tears in their eyes.