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 : philistine
2 : 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