ETYM Latin atrox, atrocis, cruel, fierce: cf. French atroce.
1. Exceptionally bad or displeasing; SYN. abominable, awful, dreadful, painful, terrible, unspeakable.
2. Provoking horror; SYN. frightful, horrifying, horrible, ugly.
3. Shockingly brutal or cruel; SYN. flagitious, grievous, heinous, monstrous.