brutality

noun

bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈta-lə-tē 

plural brutalities

1

: the quality or state of being brutal

2

: a brutal act or course of action

Synonyms

• atrociousness
• atrocity
• barbarity
• barbarousness
• cruelness
• cruelty
• fiendishness
• heartlessness
• inhumanity
• inhumanness
• sadism
• savageness
• savagery
• truculence
• viciousness
• wantonness

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

The November election will shape how Phoenix manages the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation that found routine brutality and discrimination in the city and police department's practices. —Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Moore and her costar Margaret Qualley have been lauded for their fearless commitment to the violence and brutality required by their parts, but also for their raw, emotional vulnerability. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Marine units such as the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade are notorious for their brutality and poor discipline. —David Axe, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

From the opposite coast, the bruises and lunch-bucket brutality of the ’90s New York Knicks. —Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

brutality

noun

bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural brutalities

1

: the quality or state of being brutal

2

: a brutal act or course of action