Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

barbarian

noun

/bɑːrˈbɛr.i.ən/

Definition

A person belonging to a tribe or group that is considered uncivilized or primitive.

Examples

The ancient Greeks referred to foreign peoples as barbarians.
During the invasion, the villagers felt threatened by the approaching barbarians.
In literature, a barbarian might be depicted as a fierce warrior with no regard for societal norms.

Meaning

The term often refers to someone who does not belong to a cultural tradition or who is perceived to lack the education, refinement, and manners of so-called civilized societies.