savagery

noun

sav·​age·​ry ˈsa-vi-jə-rē How to pronounce savagery (audio)
ˈsa-vij-rē
plural savageries
1
a
: the quality of being savage
b
: an act of cruelty or violence
2
: an uncivilized state

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First of all, of course, the savagery of the crime. Hazlitt, 26 Nov. 2024 When the cop asks why the yakuza would do that, Suzie points to their general savagery. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2024 Whatever Pratt imagined for Indian schools as an answer to Indian persecution, the schools became, in the early decades especially, places of repression, punishment, and occasional savagery. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 Golding's singular debut novel, with its group of prepubescent boys stranded on an uninhabited island, highlights the delicate balance between civilization and savagery. The Week Us, theweek, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for savagery 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of savagery was circa 1616

Dictionary Entries Near savagery

Cite this Entry

“Savagery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savagery. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

savagery

noun
sav·​age·​ry ˈsav-ij-(ə-)rē How to pronounce savagery (audio)
plural savageries
1
: savage disposition or action : cruelty
2
: the state of being savage

More from Merriam-Webster on savagery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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