brutality

[ broo-tal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural bru·tal·i·ties.

1. the quality of being brutal; cruelty; savagery.
2. a brutal act or practice.

Other Words From

• over·bru·tali·ty noun plural overbrutalities

Word History and Origins

Origin of brutality¹

First recorded in 1540–50; brutal + -ity

Example Sentences

It’s been 24 years since audiences first saw Ridley Scott’s vision of the brutality of Rome’s Colosseum.

From Los Angeles Times

The 2021 movie explores societal problems such as racism and police brutality.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2017 he was highly critical of the NFL and players who kneeled during the traditional pre-match national anthem in a protest against racial injustice and police brutality towards African-Americans, a movement started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

From BBC

Could I be gentler about the majority percentage of Americans who are satisfied with aligning themselves with the core tenants of brutality?

From Slate

It looks like China is willing to work with the junta, despite the military regime's record of brutality and incompetence.

From BBC

Related Words

• atrocity
• barbarism
• barbarity
• cruelty
• inhumanity
• savagery