Main Entry:

atro·cious

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈtrō-shəs\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Latin atroc-, atrox gloomy, atrocious, from atr-, ater black + -oc-, -ox (akin to Greek ōps eye) — more at eye

Date:

1658

1: extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel : barbaric2: appalling, horrifying <the atrocious weapons of modern war>3 a: utterly revolting : abominable <atrocious working conditions> b: of very poor quality <atrocious handwriting>

— atro·cious·ly adverb

— atro·cious·ness noun