brute force

Idioms and Phrases

Also, brute strength . Savage violence, unreasoning strength, as in We hope that reason will triumph over brute force . Although this expression is also used literally to mean exceptional physical power, the figurative sense reflects the origin for brute , which comes from Latin brutus , for “heavy, stupid, unreasoning.” [First half of 1700s]

Related Words

• clout
• courage
• durability
• energy
• firmness
• fortitude
• health
• power
• stability
• tenacity
• toughness
• vigor
• vitality