ə.ˈträsəd.ē, -ətē, -i, rap. also -stē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle French atrocité, from Latin atrocitat-, atrocitas, from atroc-, atrox + -itat-, -itas -ity
1.
a. : the quality or state of being atrocious
the tyrant's atrocity in dealing with the prisoners
b. : something that is atrocious: as
(1) : an execrable situation or circumstance
having to put up with the atrocities of living in a narrow-minded society
(2) : a gross departure from social correctness or good taste
drunken guests committing one atrocity after another
a hat that was an utter atrocity
2. : a savagely brutal or cruel deed ; especially : an act violating the code of humane restrictions morally imposed on belligerents
accused of war atrocities