savagery

noun

sav·​age·​ry ˈsa-vi-jə-rē 

ˈsa-vij-rē

plural savageries

1

a

: the quality of being savage

b

: an act of cruelty or violence

2

: an uncivilized state

Synonyms of savagery

• cruelty
• brutality

Examples of savagery in a Sentence

The savagery of the attack was horrifying.

an act of pure savagery

the savageries committed by the soldiers

Recent Examples on the Web

Others are inclined to rank evils according to the amount of savagery evident in the perpetrator, not to the damage inflicted on the world. — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026

Despite Abby’s savagery, Hall saw a unique reflection of the character and the title killers in the series. — William Earl, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

Unspeakable savagery masquerading as theater didn’t start with Bin Laden. — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

The entire attack lasted less than a minute, but the bear’s savagery resulted in horrible wounds to McCoy. — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for savagery

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

savagery

noun

sav·​age·​ry ˈsav-ij-(ə-)rē 

plural savageries

1

: savage disposition or action : cruelty

2

: the state of being savage