Barbarity: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe extremely violent or uncivilized behavior that shocks people.

• The conquerors' acts of barbarity horrified the local population.
• Historical records often highlight the barbarity of ancient wars.

Used when referring to cruel actions or behaviors, often involving deliberate infliction of pain or suffering.

• Animal cruelty laws aim to protect pets and wildlife.
• He was known for his cruelty towards his employees.

Commonly refers to harsh, violent actions, often associated with physical force and can be used in contexts like police brutality.

• The protestors spoke out against police brutality.
• The brutality of the attack left everyone in a state of shock.

Depicts fierce and wild violence, often associated with a lack of civilization.

• The savagery of the wild animals was frightening.
• They were shocked by the savagery of the crime scene.

Describes severe lack of compassion or kindness, often in situations where empathy is expected.

• The inhumanity of the slave trade is well-documented in history books.
• Her inhumanity towards the poor was appalling.