Spanish word

barbarie

Pronunciation

IPA/baɾˈβaɾje/

Meaning

  • feminine nounatrocity

Example

La barbarie contra civiles es inaceptable.

Atrocities against civilians are unacceptable.

Illustration for barbarie (atrocity)

More examples

Luchamos contra la barbarie para proteger a los inocentes.

We fight against atrocity to protect the innocent.

Core concept

Extreme, dehumanizing violence that violates human dignity.

Common phrases

  • luchar contra la barbarie

    fight against atrocity

  • víctimas de la barbarie

    victims of atrocity

Similar words

violencia: Use of force that injures people or damages property.
crueldad: Cold behavior that causes other people pain or suffering.
brutalidad: Extremely violent, savage conduct marked by intense physical force.
atrocidad: Extremely serious, shockingly cruel act causing great harm to victims.

Definition in Spanish

Violencia extrema y cruel dirigida contra personas o colectivos, que manifiesta desprecio por la dignidad humana.

Word origin

From Latin barbaria (via Greek barbaros 'foreign, uncivilized'), the term shifts from an outsider label to denote savage, contemptuous treatment of people.

Usage tips

  • A heavy word in news and legal language that often appears in phrases like 'actos de barbarie' or with 'cometer' to single out especially cruel deeds.

Other meanings

  • barbarismnoun
  • crueltynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word