Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/əˈtrɒsɪti/

Definitions

• A highly shocking or cruel act, typically one that involves violence or brutality.
• An extremely wicked or immoral act, often involving widespread harm or suffering.
• A large-scale, heinous act of violence or inhumanity, often associated with war or persecution.

Usage Examples

• The war crimes tribunal condemned the atrocities committed during the conflict.
• The massacre was one of the most brutal atrocities of the 20th century.
• The politician's speech was met with outrage, as it was seen as an atrocity against human rights.

Etymology

From the Latin *atrox* meaning "cruel, savage" and the suffix *-ity* denoting a state or quality. The word "atrocity" entered the English language in the early 19th century, initially referring to acts of cruelty, and it has since expanded to cover a wide range of morally reprehensible actions.

Synonyms

• Horror
• Barbarity
• Brutality
• Inhumanity
• Criminal act
• Outrage

Antonyms

• Kindness
• Compassion
• Humanity
• Virtue
• Goodness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "atrocity" is generally consistent in most regions. However, in some dialects or accents, the 'a' sound in the first syllable may be more emphasized, as opposed to the neutral schwa sound commonly heard in standard pronunciations.

Historical Usage

The word "atrocity" began to be used in English in the 19th century, primarily to describe acts of extreme violence and cruelty during wars or in contexts of social unrest. It became a key term in discussions of human rights violations, particularly in the aftermath of major global conflicts. Over time, it has evolved to be used in a broader sense to describe any morally reprehensible or cruel act, even outside of wartime.

Cultural Nuances

More Information

The term "atrocity" is used primarily to describe acts that shock the conscience and evoke outrage or horror. It has become a key word in discussions surrounding human rights violations, particularly when referring to genocides, mass murders, or other forms of state-sponsored violence. The word has been widely employed in international law, particularly in the prosecution of war crimes. While it can refer to any severe act of cruelty, it is most commonly used in the context of large-scale, organized violence or oppression.