Savagery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฆ
savagery
[หsรฆv.ษช.dสษr.i ]
Definitions
in human behavior
The quality of being fierce, cruel, or violent; the savage and brutal behavior or condition.
Synonyms
barbarity, brutality, cruelty, ferocity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| savagery |
Use 'savagery' to describe extremely violent and wild behavior, often associated with a lack of civilization or control.
|
| barbarity |
Employ 'barbarity' in situations where you want to highlight acts of extreme cruelty and inhumanity, often with a historical or cultural connotation.
|
| brutality |
Opt for 'brutality' when talking about severe and harsh violent behavior, often used in contexts like police violence or physical aggression.
|
| ferocity |
Use 'ferocity' to highlight intense, fierce, and aggressive behavior or emotions, often associated with natural forces or wild animals.
|
| cruelty |
Choose 'cruelty' to describe actions that cause suffering, pain, or harm, often intentionally, and can be used in a broad range of contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- Savagery was evident in the way they treated their prisoners.
- The savagery of the attack left the town in shock.
in nature
The state or condition of being wild or untamed; the primitive and uncontrolled behavior of animals.
Synonyms
ferocity, untamedness, wildness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| savagery |
Use this word to describe brutal or extremely cruel behavior, often in a negative sense.
|
| wildness |
This word is suitable for describing a natural state, often lacking control, civilization, or domestication. It can be used positively to portray freedom or negatively to depict disorder.
|
| ferocity |
This word is appropriate when describing intense and aggressive behavior, often associated with fighting or competitive contexts.
|
| untamedness |
Use this term when referring to something that is wild, not controlled or domesticated, usually emphasizing the natural or raw state.
|
Examples of usage
- The savagery of the jungle was both thrilling and dangerous.
- The documentary highlighted the savagery of the animal kingdom.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research in psychology often connects savagery to a breakdown of social norms, which can lead to aggressive or violent behavior in certain environments.
- Groups experiencing extreme stress or fear may exhibit savagery, as their survival instincts override empathy.
- The study of human behavior reveals that factors such as isolation and fear can trigger savage actions in individuals.
Literature
- In literature, characters who display savagery often symbolize the darker aspects of humanity, conveying themes of chaos and moral decay.
- Famous works like 'Lord of the Flies' explore savagery as an inherent part of human nature when societal rules break down.
- Shakespeareโs plays often depict characters whose savagery leads to their downfall, showcasing moral lessons about the consequences of unchecked instincts.
Pop Culture
- In modern media, the term is often associated with portrayals of violent characters in movies and video games, reflecting societal fears about morality.
- Savagery has become a popular hashtag in social media discussions, often linked to acts that go against accepted behavior or norms.
- Many musicians use the concept of savagery in their lyrics to convey a sense of rebellion or raw emotion.
History
- Historically, the term has been used to describe ancient tribes or societies in contrast to 'civilized' ones, often reflecting colonial attitudes.
- The exploration of savagery in history reveals how societies have justified violence against others by labeling them as 'savage.'
- Philosophers like Rousseau argued about the noble savage, proposing that humanityโs natural state was gentle until corrupted by society.
Origin of 'savagery'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'savagus,' meaning 'wild, untamed,' which reflects its connection to nature and fierceness.
- In Middle English, it appeared as 'savage' signifying a person living in an uncivilized manner.
- The transformation into modern English encapsulates the same themes of primal behavior.
The word 'savagery' originated from the Old French word 'sauvagerie', which came from the Latin 'salvaticus' meaning 'of the woods'. It was first used in the 16th century to describe the uncivilized and wild behavior of people or animals. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the qualities of fierceness, cruelty, and violence.