brutality

noun

bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce brutality (audio)
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action

Examples of brutality in a Sentence

the brutalities of a prison the police were accused of brutality for using excessive force in making arrests
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Only then are we forced to wrestle with the true brutality of war. Seema Jilani august 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025 In 1943, his UPA carried out a bloody campaign of massacres and terrorism against Polish civilians in the regions of Volhynia and Galicia, with a level of brutality that shocked even the Nazis. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Aug. 2025 The 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade – which took part in the assault on the train – is experiencing the brutality of this war, spending up to two weeks at the front before returning to the rear trenches to regroup. Rebecca Wright, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025 In recent years, it has been stoked by demands by Democrats and others for social-justice reforms in the wake of notorious cases of police brutality. Susan Page, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brutality

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin brūtālitāt-, brūtālitās, from brūtālis "brutish, bestial" + Latin -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at brutal

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brutality was in 1550

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brutality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brutality. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

brutality

noun
bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce brutality (audio)
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action

More from Merriam-Webster on brutality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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