barbarity

[/bɑːrˈbærɪti/]
nounfemininepl: barbarities
barbaridade
1. Cruel, violent, and uncivilized behavior or action; extreme savagery
The barbarity of the ancient ritual shocked the anthropologists.
A barbaridade do ritual antigo chocou os antropólogos.
2. A savage, cruel, or inhumane act or practice
The war crimes were acts of pure barbarity.
Os crimes de guerra foram atos de pura barbaridade.
3. Lack of civilization, refinement, or culture; primitiveness
The colonizers viewed the indigenous customs as barbarity.
Os colonizadores viam os costumes indígenas como barbaridade.
In Brazilian Portuguese discourse, 'barbaridade' is frequently used in discussions of human rights, historical atrocities, and social injustice. The word carries strong moral weight and is often invoked when discussing violence in favelas, police brutality, or historical crimes like slavery. In American English, it appears more in academic or historical contexts discussing warfare, colonialism, or extreme criminal acts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
savagerybrutalitycrueltyinhumanityferocitywildnessprimitiveness
Antonyms / Antônimos
civilizationrefinementkindnessgentlenesshumanitymercy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
barbaridade
Most common and widely understood term
São Paulo
barbaridade
Standard usage, sometimes colloquially shortened to 'barbárie'
Rio de Janeiro
barbaridade
Standard usage with emphasis on extreme cruelty
Portugal
barbaridade
Same usage as Brazil; also sometimes uses 'barbárie' (less common)

Related Words

barbarianbarbaricbarbarouscivilizesavageprimitive

Related Idioms & Phrases

an act of barbarity
the barbarity of war
civilize the barbarity out of someone
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