Main Entry:

bar·ba·rous

Pronunciation:

\ˈbär-b(ə-)rəs\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Latin barbarus, from Greek barbaros foreign, ignorant

Date:

15th century

1 a: uncivilized b: lacking culture or refinement : philistine2: characterized by the occurrence of barbarisms <barbarous language>3: mercilessly harsh or cruel <barbarous crimes>

synonyms see fierce

— bar·ba·rous·ly adverb

— bar·ba·rous·ness noun