'barbarity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'barbaritas', where 'barbarus' meant 'foreign, uncivilized'.

'barbarity' changed from Old French 'barbarie' and Middle English forms (e.g. 'barbarite') and eventually became the modern English word 'barbarity'.

Initially it meant 'the state of being foreign or uncivilized', but over time it evolved to emphasize 'savage or cruel acts' and lack of humanity.