Savagery

Noun

Definition: The quality or condition of being savage; fierceness or cruelty.

Synonyms: Brutality, Barbarism, Ferocity

Antonyms: Civility, Refinement

Examples:
  • The savagery of the attack shocked the entire community.
  • The explorer encountered acts of savagery during his expedition.
Mnemonics:
  • Imagine a wild, untamed beast symbolizing savagery.
  • Think of the word "savage" within "savagery," emphasizing its fierce nature.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "savagery" comes from the late Middle English "savage," which means "wild" or "rude" in French. Its ultimate origin can be traced back to the Latin word "silvaticus," meaning "of the woods."

Historical Usage:

The term has been used in various contexts throughout history, originally referring to the uncivilized behavior associated with people living outside organized societies.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Descend into savagery"

Explanation:

This phrase is often used to describe a gradual loss of civilization, where individuals or groups abandon social norms and revert to primitive or brutal behaviors.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Equating "savagery" with specific racial or ethnic groups.

Explanation:

The term "savagery" should not be used to stereotype or stigmatize any specific group of people. It refers to a quality or condition of being fierce or cruel, not to an inherent characteristic based on race or ethnicity.

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