barbarian

 
Pronunciation: /bɑːˈbɛːrɪən/

noun

  • (in ancient times) a member of a people not belonging to one of the great civilizations (Greek, Roman, Christian): the city was besieged by the barbarians
  • an uncultured or brutish person: you arrogant barbarian!

adjective

  • relating to ancient barbarians: barbarian invasions
  • uncultured; brutish.

Derivatives

barbarianism

noun

Origin:

Middle English (as an adjective used in a derogatory way to denote a person with different speech and customs): from Old French barbarien, from barbare, or from Latin barbarus (see barbarous)