Definition

Noun: 1. The quality of being shockingly cruel and inhumane: The state or characteristic of extreme brutality, savagery, or lack of civilization and mercy. 2. Extreme cruelty or brutality: Behavior or actions that are profoundly vicious, violent, and without regard for human suffering.

Usage

• Barbarousness is an uncountable noun used to describe the abstract quality of extreme cruelty.
• It is a formal term, often used in historical, political, or literary contexts to condemn acts of severe violence or oppression.
• It typically describes actions, behavior, or systems, not temporary emotions.

Examples

• The historical records detailed the barbarousness of the invasion.
• We were all shocked by the sheer barbarousness of the crime.
• The dictator's reign was marked by unparalleled barbarousness.

Advanced Usage

• "The barbarousness of it all...": A phrase used to introduce a description of a situation characterized by extreme cruelty.
  • The barbarousness of it all was that the violence was committed in the name of peace.

Variants and Related Words

• Barbarous (adj): Extremely cruel or brutal; primitive and uncivilized.
  • The barbarous treatment of prisoners was condemned.
• Barbarity (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with barbarousness, though it can also refer to a specific brutal act.
  • The attack was an act of sheer barbarity.

Synonyms

• Brutality: Savage physical violence.
• Savagery: The quality of being fierce, violent, and uncivilized.
• Cruelty: Willful infliction of pain or suffering.
• Inhumanity: Lack of compassion or mercy; cruel behavior.

Antonyms

• Humanity: Compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior.
• Civility: Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.
• Kindness: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Noun

1. the quality of being shockingly cruel and inhumane