barbarie

barbarity, savagery

noun bar-bah-REE Rare

Origin: Latin barbaria 'foreign land', from barbarus 'foreign, savage'

Usage Note

Barbarie refers to extreme cruelty or a state of civilizational primitiveness. It is a strong word, typically used in formal or journalistic registers to condemn atrocities. The adjective is barbare and the related noun barbare (m/f) means a barbarian.

Examples

"Cet acte de barbarie a choqué le monde entier."

Natural Translation

This act of barbarity shocked the entire world.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

French Silent Letters: The CaReFuL Rule

Final consonants in French are silent by default — except C, R, F, L. The CaReFuL rule, the silent -e, the plural-s trap, and liaison, explained simply.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Tu vs Vous: When to Use Each in French

Tu vs vous in French: use tu for one friend, family, or child, and vous for strangers, elders, your boss, and any group. A clear etiquette guide.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Je t'aime vs Je t'adore: I Love You in French

Je t'aime is the real romantic I love you; je t'adore means warm fondness, not romance. Here's the person-vs-thing rule and the bien trap that flips it.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French False Friends: 25 Faux Amis to Avoid

French false friends look like English words but mean something else: actuellement is not actually, sensible means sensitive. Here are 25 faux amis to avoid.

June 3, 2026 5 min read