Barbarism

usgb/ˈbɑːrbərɪzəm/
noun

Cruel or violent behavior.

The barbarism shown by the dictator towards his people was condemned worldwide.
Visual representation of "barbarism" - Cruel or violent behavior

Often appears as...

  • commits barbarism
  • evidence of barbarism

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Academic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "barbarism"
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Negative Emotion

Barbarism has a strong negative connotation associated with extreme inhumanity or cruelty.

Illustration for Negative Emotion
News reports highlighted the barbarism of the conflict.
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Hyperbole Caution

Be cautious using 'barbarism' to exaggerate situations that are simply unpleasant, as it refers to extreme violence or cruelty.

Illustration for Hyperbole Caution
Calling a strict curfew 'barbarism' can be an overstatement.
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Historical Usage

'Barbarism' was historically used to label foreign cultures as 'less civilized' - a usage now considered ethnocentric or racist.

Illustration for Historical Usage
The term 'barbarism' reflects the colonial mindset of the past.
Word comparison image

Compare with

atrocitybarbaritybestialitybrutalitycrueltyferocityinhumanitysavageryviolence
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Visual representation of the word "Barbarism"

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