Atrocious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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atrocious
[əˈtroʊ.ʃəs ]
Definitions
behavior
Extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel. Shockingly bad or unpleasant.
Synonyms
abominable, appalling, dreadful, heinous, horrific.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| atrocious |
Use this word to describe something extremely bad or unpleasant, often used for actions or conditions that are shocking in their severity. This word carries a negative connotation.
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| horrific |
Describes something intensely disturbing or frightening, frequently used for events or actions that are terrifying. It has a strong negative tone.
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| dreadful |
Ideal for describing something that causes fear, alarm, or concern, often used in everyday contexts for both serious and less serious matters. Negative connotation.
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| appalling |
Used to highlight something that shocks or horrifies due to its severity or the extent of its negative impact. Commonly applied to situations or behavior. This word also carries a negative connotation.
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| abominable |
Best suited for describing something that is morally repugnant or causes intense disgust. Often used for evil deeds or actions. This word has a strong negative connotation.
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| heinous |
Typically used to describe particularly evil crimes or actions that are shockingly wicked. It has a very strong negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The dictator's atrocious reign of terror resulted in countless innocent lives lost.
- The food at that restaurant was atrocious; I couldn't even finish my meal.
quality
Of a very poor quality; extremely bad or unpleasant.
Synonyms
abysmal, awful, dreadful, horrible, terrible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| atrocious |
Use for something extremely bad and shocking, typically in a way that creates strong disapproval or horror.
|
| terrible |
A broad term used to describe something very bad in quality or causing distress.
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| awful |
General term for something very bad or unpleasant, can describe situations, feelings, or quality.
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| horrible |
Used to express strong dislike or disgust, often for behaviors or situations.
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| dreadful |
Conveys a sense of great fear, suffering, or unhappiness, often in describing news or situations.
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| abysmal |
Describes something that is extremely poor or bad, often in the context of performance, quality, or situation.
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Examples of usage
- The movie received atrocious reviews from critics and audiences alike.
- The students' behavior during the field trip was atrocious; they were rude and disrespectful.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Films often use the term to describe unacceptable behavior or violence, underscoring the impact on society.
- In the music world, 'atrocious' has been used in lyrics to emphasize heartbreak or moral failures.
- Popular TV shows often depict characters committing 'atrocious' acts to highlight their villainy.
Social Commentary
- The term is frequently used in discussions about human rights, particularly to label violations as absolutely unacceptable.
- In debates about climate change, actions seen as ignoring scientific warnings may be labeled as 'atrocious' failures of responsibility.
- Public outrage over corruption in politics often arises when 'atrocious' actions are revealed, leading to demands for accountability.
Literature
- Classic literature frequently portrays characters' 'atrocious' actions, illustrating moral dilemmas and the darker sides of humanity.
- In poetry, references to 'atrocious' conditions often evoke strong emotional responses, particularly in the context of war or poverty.
- Authors like Charles Dickens used the term to draw attention to societal injustices and advocate for reform.
Psychology
- People may perceive actions as 'atrocious' based on cultural norms, illustrating the subjectivity of morality.
- Psychological studies indicate that witnessing 'atrocious' behavior can lead to feelings of helplessness and societal desensitization.
- Understanding why humans commit 'atrocious' acts can be a significant focus in fields like criminology and ethics.
Origin of 'atrocious'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'atrox', meaning 'fierce' or 'cruel', related to extreme behavior.
- Over time, it evolved into 'atrocious' in the English language, used primarily to describe unpleasant events or actions.
- The earliest recorded use in English dates back to the late 15th century, reflecting severe distress or horror.
The word 'atrocious' originated from the Latin word 'atrocitas', meaning cruelty or horror. It entered the English language in the late 18th century and has been used to describe extreme wickedness or poor quality ever since.
See also: atrociously, atrociousness.