Definition of "barbarism" []

• An act, trait, or custom characterized by ignorance or crudity. (noun)
• The use of words, forms, or expressions considered incorrect or unacceptable. (noun)
• A specific word, form, or expression so used. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I use the term barbarism in contradistinction to civilization, and very respectfully refer to authorities of repute in justification of this use of the word, both to designate the quality of the _thing_, and the precise locality of its fittest application; for although"
• "ROMANS: He says that George Bush and the United States government are engaged in what he calls barbarism in Iraq."
• "Scarlet Plague, The (1912) The relapse of civilization into barbarism is a theme which, as those familiar with London's style will at once see, is admirably suited to his powers as a novelist."