- The definition of barbarism refers to the condition of being brutal, primitive, or socially backwards.
Torturing prisoners is an example of barbarism.
- the use of words and expressions not standard in a language
- a word or expression of this sort (Ex.: “youse” for “you”)
- the state of being primitive or lacking civilization
- a barbarous action, custom, etc.
- brutal behavior; barbarity
Origin of barbarismClassical Latin barbarismus ; from Classical Greek barbarismos: see barbarous
- a. The condition of having no civilizing influences or refined culture; ignorance or crudity: “the struggles made by different nations, as they emerge from barbarism, to supply themselves with some visible symbol of thought” (William Hickling Prescott).b. Savage violence or cruelty: “To say that the barbarism of one side [in World War I] impelled the barbarism of the other is not much of an excuse” (David A. Bell).
- a. The use of words, forms, or expressions considered incorrect or unacceptable.b. A specific word, form, or expression so used.
Origin of barbarismLatin barbarismus, use of a foreign tongue or of one's own tongue amiss, barbarism, from Greek barbarismos, from barbarizein, to behave or speak like a barbarian, from barbaros, non-Greek, foreign (imitative of the sound of unintelligible speech).