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atrocities

 - 3 dictionary results

a⋅troc⋅i⋅ty

  [uh-tros-i-tee]
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–noun, plural -ties.
1. the quality or state of being atrocious.
2. an atrocious act, thing, or circumstance.
Origin:
1525–35; < L atrōcitās, equiv. to atrōci- (s. of atrōx) fierce + -tās -ty 2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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a·troc·i·ty   (ə-trŏs'ĭ-tē)   
n.   pl. a·troc·i·ties

  1. Appalling or atrocious condition, quality, or behavior; monstrousness.

  2. An appalling or atrocious act, situation, or object, especially an act of unusual or illegal cruelty inflicted by an armed force on civilians or prisoners.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

atrocity 
1534, from L. atrocitatem (nom. atrocitas) "cruelty," noun of quality from atrox "fierce, cruel, frightful," from PIE *atro-ek-, from base *ater- "fire" + *okw- "see," thus "of fiery or threatening appearance." The noun meaning "an atrocious deed" is from 1793.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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