Barbarity: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'barbarus' meaning 'foreign' or 'strange', which was originally used to describe people outside the Roman Empire.
• In ancient history, it referred to tribes that were perceived as uncivilized by the Greeks and Romans.
• The suffix '-ity' is used to form nouns that denote a state or condition, turning 'barbar' into the state of being barbaric.

History

• Historical accounts often depict certain invaders as barbaric in contrast to more 'civilized' societies of their time.
• The Huns, led by Attila, were famously labeled as barbaric by their Roman adversaries due to their fierce warrior culture.
• During the Dark Ages, many tribes in Europe were described as barbarous due to their lack of centralized government and complex societal structures.

Cultural Impact

• The term has evolved to describe any actions deemed cruel or savage, influencing literature and art throughout the ages.
• In modern media, the portrayal of 'barbarity' is often used to critique societal behaviors and injustices in various forms.
• Movies and literature frequently showcase a fight between civilized norms and barbarity, reflecting societal fears and dilemmas.

Philosophy

• Philosophers like Rousseau argued that civilization corrupts the innately good nature of humans, leading to barbaric actions.
• The discussion of what constitutes 'barbarity' raises questions about morality and ethics, especially in war and peace studies.
• Some theoretical frameworks explore how societies justify barbarity, often linking it to power dynamics and survival instincts.

Psychology

• Psychological studies reveal how stress and fear can lead individuals to behave in barbarous ways, particularly in group settings.
• Bystander effects can lead to emotional detachment, causing individuals to witness barbarity without intervening.
• Research suggests that societal norms can either suppress or encourage barbaric actions depending on the prevailing culture.

Positioned at #22,483, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 22480 colloquy
• 22481 tailing
• 22482 offal
• 22483 barbarity
• 22484 renter
• 22485 dismemberment
• 22486 awning
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