adj.
Pronunciation: ' bär-b( ə -)r ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin barbarus, from Greek barbaros foreign, ignorant
Date: 15th century
1 a : UNCIVILIZED b : lacking culture or refinement : PHILISTINE
2 : characterized by the occurrence of barbarisms < barbarous language>
3 : mercilessly harsh or cruel < barbarous crimes>
synonyms see FIERCE
– bar · ba · rous · ly adverb
– bar · ba · rous · ness noun