barbarism

noun

bar·​ba·​rism ˈbär-bə-ˌri-zəm 

1

a

: a barbarian or barbarous social or intellectual condition : backwardness

b

: the practice or display of barbarian acts, attitudes, or ideas

2

: an idea, act, or expression that in form or use offends against contemporary standards of good taste or acceptability

Examples of barbarism in a Sentence

The barbarism of his dictatorship cannot be ignored.

Such barbarisms cannot be tolerated.

Recent Examples on the Web

This story illuminates how differing priorities and a lack of self-awareness can cause major societal fractures, fostering groupthink and barbarism. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024

That would frame Russia’s resort to nuclear strikes as further evidence not only of its barbarism but of its military backwardness. —Richard K. Betts, Foreign Affairs, 4 July 2022

This is one of the themes of Zweig’s various books, and of many books — one of the themes of history: Civilization is so fragile; it can be shattered in a second, as barbarisms come to the fore. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 25 Nov. 2024

Ace Ventura is a ball of slapstick but also of volcanic barbarism. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

barbarism

noun

bar·​ba·​rism ˈbär-bə-ˌriz-əm 

: the state, ideas, or behavior of a barbarian