C1nounformal10K+

Atrocity

UK /["/əˈtrɒsəti/"]/US /["/əˈtrɑːsəti/"]/

Definition

a cruel and violent act, especially in a war

In simple words: A very bad or cruel act.

Examples

  • In the war, both sides committed atrocities.
  • atrocities against the civilian population
  • one of the worst atrocities of the war
  • reports of atrocities by gunmen

Usage notes

Use 'atrocity' to describe an extreme act, often related to war or crime. It is generally used in serious or formal contexts and may not be appropriate for casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Atrocity sounds like 'a-trophy-city'—imagine a city where terrible things happen instead of winning trophies.

Collocations

  • appalling
  • terrible
  • worst
  • be responsible for
  • carry out
  • commit
  • occur
  • take place
  • stories
  • atrocity against
  • atrocity by
  • accounts of atrocities
  • allegations of atrocities
  • reports of atrocities

Synonyms

  • crime
  • abomination
  • horror
  • outrage
  • wickedness

Antonyms

  • mercy
  • kindness
  • compassion

Common mistakes

  • Confusing it with 'atrocious', which describes something very bad but is an adjective.
  • Using it in non-serious contexts, which diminishes its impact.
  • Mispronouncing it, particularly the second syllable.