noun

atrocity

uh-TRO-sih-tee

Atrocity (noun) means an extremely cruel or brutal act, especially against people. Example: “The war crimes tribunal documented atrocities committed against civilians.”

noun

An extremely cruel or brutal act, especially against people.

"The war crimes tribunal documented atrocities committed against civilians."

"Historians still study the atrocities of the era."

How to use atrocity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA shockingly cruel act, usually one involving violence against people.

Common pairings

commit an atrocity war atrocities atrocities against civilians

Word forms

atrocities plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “atrocity” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Etymology

From Latin atrocitas, from atrox ("cruel, terrible").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

depravity infamy iniquity outrage turpitude wickedness wrong

Related words

bad wrong damage evil false sin anger shock

Rhymes for atrocity

city pity deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality

See all rhymes for atrocity →

Frequently asked questions

What does “atrocity” mean?

The word “atrocity” means an extremely cruel or brutal act, especially against people. In plain terms, a shockingly cruel act, usually one involving violence against people.

How do you pronounce “atrocity”?

“Atrocity” is pronounced uh-TRO-sih-tee (/əˈtɹɑsɪti/ in IPA).

How do you use “atrocity” in a sentence?

Here is “atrocity” used in a sentence: “The war crimes tribunal documented atrocities committed against civilians.”

What is another word for “atrocity”?

Words with a similar meaning to “atrocity” include depravity, infamy, iniquity, outrage, turpitude and wickedness.

What part of speech is “atrocity”?

“Atrocity” is a noun.

Where does the word “atrocity” come from?

The word “atrocity” comes from Latin. From Latin atrocitas, from atrox ("cruel, terrible").

People also searched

bad wrong damage evil false sin anger shock