1. people regarded as primitive, uncivilized, or culturally inferior
Usage: often considered offensive when applied to modern peoples
2. members of tribes or peoples outside the Greek and Roman civilizations in ancient times
Usage: historical
3. people who behave in a crude, violent, or destructive manner

Examples

• The Romans considered the Germanic tribes to be barbarians.
• Ancient Greek writers often described non-Greeks as barbarians.
• The protesters were called barbarians after they destroyed public property.
• Many scholars now reject the term barbarians as culturally biased.
• The museum exhibit challenged stereotypes about so-called barbarians.
• Medieval chronicles portrayed Viking raiders as fierce barbarians.
• Modern historians emphasize the sophisticated cultures of peoples once labeled barbarians.