atrocity

 
Pronunciation: /əˈtrɒsɪti/

noun (plural atrocities)

  • an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury: a textbook which detailed war atrocities
  • humorous a highly unpleasant or distasteful object: atrocities in cheap red nylon

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'cruelty'): from French atrocité or Latin atrocitas, from atrox, atroc- 'cruel'

Spelling help

Spell atrocity with a single t after the a; the ending is -city.