Word
atrocity
Phoneticsatroc·i·ty
US/əˈtɹɑsəti/
UK/ɐtɹˈɒsɪti/
Countable noun
Definition
n. an extremely cruel, violent, or shocking act. You usually use this word to describe terrible things that happen during a war or a crime.
n. an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury. Often used in the plural to describe systematic human rights violations during conflict.
Examples
“The soldiers were accused of committing a terrible atrocity.”
“International observers arrived at the border to document every atrocity committed during the three-month occupation.”
“The museum serves as a somber memorial to the victims of the atrocity, ensuring that future generations understand the human cost of such unchecked hatred.”
Examples
simple
“The soldiers were accused of committing a terrible atrocity.”
contextual
“International observers arrived at the border to document every atrocity committed during the three-month occupation.”
complex
“The museum serves as a somber memorial to the victims of the atrocity, ensuring that future generations understand the human cost of such unchecked hatred.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “atrocity” in context.
Verb
01. commit an atrocity
“Soldiers were accused of committing atrocities against the civilian population during the conflict.”
verb + noun
02. investigate an atrocity
“An international commission was established to investigate the atrocities reported in the region.”
verb + noun
03. prevent an atrocity
“Diplomatic efforts were intensified to prevent further atrocities from occurring.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. barbaric atrocity
“The international community condemned the barbaric atrocity carried out by the rebel forces.”
adj + noun
05. unspeakable atrocity
“The survivors shared stories of the unspeakable atrocities they witnessed during the war.”
adj + noun
06. wartime atrocity
“The museum serves as a somber reminder of wartime atrocities and the importance of peace.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. scale of atrocity
“The sheer scale of the atrocity only became clear after the liberation of the city.”
noun + of + noun
08. victim of atrocity
“The charity provides psychological support to the victims of atrocities.”
noun + of + noun
Usage
Frequently used with the verb 'commit' or 'perpetrate'.
Real-World Examples
“Bystanders are likely to deny an atrocity when acknowledging it requires action, both morally and legally.” “The buried trauma of past atrocities seems to feed a societal yearning for the freedom to bear arms.” Etymology
From Middle French atrocité, from Latin atrōcitātem, from atrox (“terrible, cruel”) + -tās, from āter (“matte black”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/atrocity