Word
savagery
Phoneticssav·agery
US/ˈsævɪˌdʒɛɹi/
UK/sˈævɪdʒɹˌi/
Definition
n. the quality of being very cruel, violent, or brutal. It describes actions that are shocking and lack any sense of kindness or control.
n. the quality of being extremely cruel, violent, or lacking in restraint. Often used to describe physical violence or the harshness of a natural environment.
Examples
“The savagery of the attack shocked the whole city.”
“The documentary exposed the savagery of the conflict, showing how civilians were treated during the war.”
“The explorer described the savagery of the jungle, where the constant humidity and lack of clean water made survival nearly impossible for the unprepared.”
Examples
simple
“The savagery of the attack shocked the whole city.”
contextual
“The documentary exposed the savagery of the conflict, showing how civilians were treated during the war.”
complex
“The explorer described the savagery of the jungle, where the constant humidity and lack of clean water made survival nearly impossible for the unprepared.”
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: Pilar Olivares/Reuters Valmir Aleixo, a 55-year-old history teacher who was one of thousands of people who joined Friday’s pro-Lula demo, said: “This is [a choice] between democracy and the savagery of far-right fascism.” “Sonia Bellina's body was "abandoned" after "a murder of rare savagery", the family's lawyer says.” Etymology
From savage + -ry.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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 · Advanced
- Updated
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