Use atrocity for genuinely severe cruelty. In casual speech it can be hyperbolic, but in serious contexts it is a very strong word.
Use atrocity for genuinely severe cruelty. In casual speech it can be hyperbolic, but in serious contexts it is a very strong word.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The late bus was an atrocity. | The late bus was annoying. |
| Atrocity means a small inconvenience. | Atrocity means shocking cruelty or a very cruel act. |
| The atrocity was kindly done. | The atrocity was cruelly done. |
| Many atrocity happened. | Many atrocities happened. |
Use atrocity crime as a technical term in international law, human rights, and mass-violence prevention. Do not automatically equate every atrocity with genocide.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Atrocity crime means any parking ticket. | Atrocity crime means a very serious international crime such as genocide, war crime, or crime against humanity. |
| All atrocities are legally genocide. | Some atrocities may be genocide, but atrocity is broader. |
| The court tried an atrocious crime of paperwork. | The court tried an atrocity crime. |
| Atrocity crime is always a minor offense. | Atrocity crime is a grave offense. |
Use the word carefully. It fits severe violence and inhumanity, but sounds excessive for ordinary mistakes or inconveniences.
Atrocity does not mean merely a bad event. It implies cruelty, shock, and moral gravity.
From Latin atrox, meaning cruel, fierce, or terrible. The modern word keeps the idea of extreme cruelty.
What does atrocity mean?
It means an extremely cruel, shocking, or inhumane act.
What is an atrocity crime?
It is a grave international crime, such as genocide, a war crime, or a crime against humanity.
Is atrocity the same as genocide?
No. Genocide can be a type of atrocity crime, but atrocity is broader.
Can atrocity be used for a small mistake?
Only as obvious exaggeration. In serious use, it is a very strong word.
What is the plural of atrocity?
The plural is atrocities.
What is a synonym for atrocity?
Synonyms include outrage, horror, cruelty, barbarity, brutality, and inhuman act.
How do you use atrocity in a sentence?
For example: Survivors testified about the atrocities they had witnessed.