Barbaric


without civilizing influences; uncivilized; primitive:
barbaric invaders.
of, like, or befitting barbarians:
a barbaric empire; barbaric practices.
crudely rich or splendid:
barbaric decorations.
Contemporary Examples

According to Bale, Moses was “one of the most barbaric individuals that I ever read about in my life.”
Christian Bale: One Man’s Moses Is Another Man’s Terrorist Candida Moss, Joel Baden December 6, 2014

Rome wants and needs to be a capital of dialogue and peace, not a barbaric battleground.
Italy Suddenly Gets Ugly for Jews Barbie Latza Nadeau July 28, 2014

The British government is putting its money where its mouth is with a bold plan to end the barbaric practice.
David Cameron’s Ambitious Plan To End Female Genital Mutilation Lizzie Crocker March 5, 2013

I love his resistance to the “barbaric” custom of handshakes.
Why Candidate Trump Is Leading the Polls Matt Latimer April 12, 2011

I was really enjoying myself, completely forgetting about the barbaric acts that were occurring in my mouth.
Gina Gershon’s Trip to Heaven in the Dentist’s Chair Gina Gershon October 22, 2012

Historical Examples

Down the center of the street advanced a gaudy procession headed by a barbaric priestess.
The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy Florence Partello Stuart

We had not, however, taken into account the obtuseness of a barbaric despot.
Freeland Theodor Hertzka

He was a barbaric and war-like figure and the girls unconsciously shrunk back as he danced by them.
The Motor Maids Across the Continent Katherine Stokes

There are other countries where this relic of the barbaric ages doesn’t exist.
The Woman Thou Gavest Me Hall Caine

The trading spirit rose and flourished, and the barbaric hereditary jurisdictions were abolished.
The World’s Greatest Books, Vol XII. Arthur Mee

adjective
of or characteristic of barbarians
primitive or unsophisticated; unrestrained
brutal
adj.

late 15c., “uncultured, uncivilized, unpolished,” from French barbarique (15c.), from Latin barbaricus “foreign, strange, outlandish,” from Greek barbarikos “like a foreigner,” from barbaros “foreign, rude” (see barbarian). Meaning “pertaining to barbarians” is from 1660s.

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