atrocity
uh-TROS-uh-tee
/əˈtrɒs.ə.ti/
An extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury.
Used for horrific acts on a large scale that shock public morality.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'atrocitas', derived from 'atrox' meaning savage, fierce, or dark-visaged. It entered English in the 16th century specifically to denote horrific crimes.
Word relationships
- outrage: Outrage emphasizes public reaction; atrocity emphasizes extreme wicked cruelty.
- barbarity: Barbarity highlights civilized norms being violated.
- good deed: A helpful or morally commendable action.
- humanitarian act: An action promoting human welfare.
Commonly confused with
- audacity: Audacity means boldness or nerve; atrocity means extreme cruelty.
Word family
- atrocious (adjective): Horrifyingly wicked or bad.
- atrociously (adverb): In an atrocious manner.
Collocations
- commit an atrocity
- wartime atrocities
- horrific atrocity
Idioms & expressions
- crime against humanity
Example sentences
- "International observers documented systemic atrocities committed against civilians during the conflict." Human rights report
- "The museum stands as a monument to remember those who suffered in the war atrocities." Historical essay
Memory hook
Atrocity sounds like 'at rots city'—a place destroyed by cruel, horrific acts. Atrocious acts of cruelty = Atrocity.
When not to use
Avoid using for trivial mistakes or minor rude behavior.
Fun facts
- In modern casual slang, 'atrocious' can mean very poor quality (e.g., 'atrocious weather'), but 'atrocity' maintains its severe moral gravity.
Explore more words
outrage, scandalous, perpetrate, infamous, nefarious, perfidy
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