Barbaric: meaning, definitions and examples

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barbaric

 

[ bɑːˈbɛrɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing behavior

Characterized by savagery and lack of civilization; brutal and cruel.

Synonyms

brutal, cruel, savage, uncivilized

Examples of usage

  • The barbaric invaders destroyed the village and killed many innocent people.
  • The barbaric treatment of prisoners of war was condemned by human rights organizations.
  • His barbaric behavior towards animals raised concerns among animal rights activists.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing customs or traditions

Relating to or characteristic of barbarians; uncivilized, primitive.

Synonyms

primitive, savage, uncivilized

Examples of usage

  • The tribe had a barbaric custom of sacrificing animals during their religious ceremonies.
  • In some ancient cultures, barbaric rituals were performed to appease the gods.

Translations

Translations of the word "barbaric" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bárbaro

🇮🇳 बर्बर

🇩🇪 barbarisch

🇮🇩 barbar

🇺🇦 варварський

🇵🇱 barbarzyński

🇯🇵 野蛮な (yaban na)

🇫🇷 barbare

🇪🇸 bárbaro

🇹🇷 barbar

🇰🇷 야만적인 (yamanjeogin)

🇸🇦 وحشي

🇨🇿 barbarský

🇸🇰 barbarský

🇨🇳 野蛮的 (yěmán de)

🇸🇮 barbarski

🇮🇸 barbarískur

🇰🇿 варварлық

🇬🇪 ბარბაროსული

🇦🇿 barbar

🇲🇽 bárbaro

Etymology

The word 'barbaric' originated from the Greek word 'barbaros,' which meant 'foreign' or 'stranger.' In ancient Greece, the term was used to describe people who did not speak Greek and were considered uncivilized. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent behavior or customs that were perceived as savage or brutal. The concept of barbarism has been a recurring theme in history, often used to justify conflicts or colonization. Today, the term 'barbaric' is commonly used to criticize actions that are deemed cruel, inhumane, or uncivilized.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,783, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.