atrocity

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An extremely cruel and violent act, especially in war.

   The soldiers were put on trial for atrocities committed against civilians.

2. 2
   noun

   Something considered very ugly or in extremely poor taste.

   That bright orange sofa is an absolute atrocity.

From Middle French atrocité, from Latin atrōcitās, from atrōx (“terrible, cruel”) + -tās, from āter (“matte black”).

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