atrocity
What does "atrocity" mean?
An atrocity is an act of extreme cruelty, violence, or wickedness. It carries a heavy, visceral weight, often used to describe events that shock the collective conscience, such as those occurring during war, human rights violations, or brutal crimes. While you might use "bad" or "horrible" for everyday mistakes, "atrocity" is reserved for truly heinous actions. It is most commonly found in formal reporting, historical accounts, or legal contexts, and it is rarely used to describe minor inconveniences or personal annoyances.
"atrocity" in conversation
Discussing history class
The lecture on the war was difficult to sit through.
The lecture on the war was difficult to sit through.
I know, the atrocities committed during that period are just unfathomable.
I know, the atrocities committed during that period are just unfathomable.
Used to discuss large-scale historical violence.
Reading news reports
The report details the atrocities uncovered in the conflict zone.
The report details the atrocities uncovered in the conflict zone.
Make sure the language is objective; the facts alone will convey the horror.
Make sure the language is objective; the facts alone will convey the horror.
Commonly used in journalistic or human rights reports.
"atrocity" in a sentence
The soldiers were accused of committing atrocities against the local population.
The soldiers were accused of committing atrocities against the local population.
The documentary shed light on the atrocities that took place during the genocide.
The documentary shed light on the atrocities that took place during the genocide.
History is often a cycle of struggle, progress, and the occasional profound atrocity.
History is often a cycle of struggle, progress, and the occasional profound atrocity.
