atrocidad (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Sustantivo (noun)

Phonetic Transcription

/atroθiˈðað/ (in Castilian Spanish)
/a.tɾo.siˈðad/ (in Latin American Spanish)

Translation Options into English

• Atrocity
• Outrage
• Heinous act

Meaning and Usage

"Atrocidad" refers to a cruel, brutal, or inhumane act. It is often used in contexts involving crimes against humanity or severe misconduct, particularly in legal and human rights discussions.

In Spanish, the term is used both in legal contexts when discussing war crimes or atrocities committed during conflicts, and colloquially to describe actions or events that are shockingly bad or unfair. The frequency of use can vary depending on context; it is more commonly used in formal writing or discussions regarding law and ethics, although it can appear in oral speech, especially in discussions about social issues.

Example Sentences

1. La guerra dejó un rastro de atrocidades que la humanidad no puede olvidar.
   The war left a trail of atrocities that humanity cannot forget.

2. Esa decisión fue considerada como una atrocidad por muchos activistas de derechos humanos.
   That decision was considered an atrocity by many human rights activists.

3. Las atrocidades cometidas en ese país han sido documentadas por varias organizaciones internacionales.
   The atrocities committed in that country have been documented by various international organizations.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "atrocidad" itself does not fit into many idiomatic expressions, it can combine with other words to convey more complex meanings about severe actions or injustices. Here are a few phrases:

1. Cometer una atrocidad
   To commit an atrocity

2. La comunidad internacional condenó la decisión de cometer una atrocidad en el conflicto.
   The international community condemned the decision to commit an atrocity in the conflict.

3. Atrocidad sin precedentes
   Unprecedented atrocity

4. La masacre se describió como una atrocidad sin precedentes en la historia del país.
   The massacre was described as an unprecedented atrocity in the country’s history.

5. Atrocidades de la guerra
   War atrocities

6. Los informes documentaron las atrocidades de la guerra y sus efectos en la población civil.
   Reports documented the war atrocities and their effects on the civilian population.

7. Denunciar atrocidades
   To denounce atrocities

8. Es importante que los líderes mundiales se unan para denunciar atrocidades en cualquier parte del mundo.
   It is important for world leaders to unite to denounce atrocities anywhere in the world.

Etymology

The word "atrocidad" comes from the Latin "atrocitas," que signifies 'cruelty' or 'ferocity.' The root "atrox" means 'cruel' or 'savage.' The transition from Latin to Spanish involved shifts in pronunciation and semantics but maintained the connotation of extreme cruelty and brutality.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Brutalidad (brutality) - Inhumanidad (inhumanity) - Abominación (abomination)

Antonyms: - Benevolencia (benevolence) - Bondad (goodness) - Humanidad (humanity)