enormities

Enormities refers to the quality of being huge or monstrous, either in size or in moral depravity. The term can be applied to both physical scale and the severity of an offense or wrongdoing. When used to describe physical size, it suggests something of immense, overwhelming proportions. This might be a natural phenomenon like a vast mountain range or a colossal man-made structure.

However, "enormity" is more frequently employed in its moral sense to denote an act of extreme wickedness or a situation of profound injustice. Such enormities often involve significant harm, suffering, or violation of fundamental ethical principles. Examples could include acts of genocide, large-scale corruption, or widespread human rights abuses. The concept of enormity implies not just a large scale of negative impact but also a deep offense against moral order. It suggests a gravity and magnitude that is shocking and deeply disturbing. The perception of something as an enormity is subjective to some extent but typically involves a widespread consensus about its severity.