atrocity
Translation
act of cruelty, outrage, abomination
Examples
They were accused of committing atrocities.
They were accused of committing acts of great cruelty.
The painting was an atrocity.
The painting was extremely bad.
Grammar Patterns
((an atrocity)) an act of great cruelty They were accused of committing atrocities.
Similar Words
Synonyms: brutality, cruelty, outrage, horror
Etymology
From Latin 'atrocitas', which comes from 'atrox' (fierce, cruel).
Memory Tips
Remember the adjective 'atrocious'. An atrocity is an 'atrocious' act. Think of a city full of cruel acts.