atrocity
A very cruel and violent act that hurts many people, often in war or during a time of serious conflict.
An extremely cruel, violent, or shocking act, especially one that harms many people, often in war or as part of a campaign of violence.
The very strong level of cruelty or evil in an action or situation.
The quality, degree, or nature of being extremely cruel, inhuman, or morally shocking.
A thing that looks or is very, very bad, often said in a joking way.
Something considered extremely ugly, unpleasant, or very badly made or done, often used in a humorous or exaggerated way.
- Base: atrocity
- Plural: atrocities, atrocity
an atrocity of a [noun]
1extremely bad example of something
Used before a noun to say that something is very, very bad or ugly, often in a joking or strong way.
- He bought an atrocity of a car that broke down every week.
- They live in an atrocity of a house painted bright purple and orange.
- She served us an atrocity of a cake that was hard as a rock.
commit atrocities
1carry out very cruel acts
To do very cruel and violent things, often in war or during a time of conflict.
- The report alleges that both sides committed atrocities during the civil war.
- They were accused of committing atrocities against unarmed civilians.
- Leaders who commit atrocities can be tried in international courts.
war atrocities
1extremely cruel acts in war
Very cruel and violent acts that happen in a war, usually against civilians or prisoners.
- The documentary focuses on war atrocities that were hidden for decades.
- Survivors described the war atrocities they witnessed as children.
- New evidence has emerged of war atrocities in the region.