/ ɪˈnɔːməti; NAmE ɪˈnɔːrm-/ noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ U ] the ~ of sth ( of a problem, etc. ) the very great size, effect, etc. of sth; the fact of sth being very serious :
the enormity of the task
People are still coming to terms with the enormity of the disaster.
The full enormity of the crime has not yet been revealed.
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] ( formal ) a very serious crime :
the enormities of the Hitler regime
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin enormitas , from enormis , from e- (variant of ex- ) out of + norma pattern, standard. The word originally meant deviation from legal or moral rectitude and transgression . Current senses have been influenced by enormous .