Barbarianism

/ˌbɑrbəˈrɪənɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being barbaric; the practices, customs, or characteristics of a barbarous people.

Etymology

From 'barbarian' (a person considered uncivilized) plus the abstract noun suffix '-ism.' The word emerged in the Renaissance to describe entire systems of supposedly uncivilized behavior and beliefs.

Kelly Says

Historians now recognize that 'barbarianism' was mostly a label used by powerful empires to justify conquering other peoples—what they called 'barbaric' was usually just 'different from us'!

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