atrocity

Definition

An extremely cruel act; a horrid act of injustice.

Etymology

From Middle French atrocité, from Latin atrōcitātem, from atrox (“terrible, cruel”) + -tās, from āter (“matte black”).

Example Sentences

• "to carry out / commit / perpetrate an atrocity"
• "The regime is guilty of mass atrocities including forced displacement and the use of chemical weapons."
• "[…] it seemed an atrocity or cruelty to Narses a good General, to take punishment of innoxious Hostages:"

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