brutish

[ broo-tish ]

adjective

1. brutal; cruel.
2. gross; coarse.
3. carnal; sensual.
4. uncivilized.
5. bestial; like an animal.

brutish

/ ˈbruːtɪʃ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a brute or brutes; animal
2. coarse; cruel; stupid

Derived Forms

• ˈbrutishly, adverb
• ˈbrutishness, noun

Other Words From

• brutish·ly adverb
• brutish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brutish¹

First recorded in 1485–95; brute ¹ + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

For the third time in a year, this time heading to my local train station in my wheelchair, I hear the familiar, brutish drawl: “Timmaaah.”

From BBC

To briefly review, then, the same Supreme Court conservative supermajority that last month granted Donald Trump almost boundless immunity from criminal prosecution and in June took away the government’s power to ensure that water is clean and food and drugs are safe has opted to respond to criticism with yet another warning to “be careful” in even contemplating creating rules, an admonishment that comes alongside yet another brutish shrug from Thomas at the very existence of enforceable ethics guidelines.

From Slate

For a long time, scientists considered Neanderthals brutish and unsophisticated by comparison with our species.

From BBC

Aidala argued before the appeals court in February that Burke swayed the trial by allowing three women to testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case and by giving prosecutors permission to confront Weinstein, if he had testified, about his long history of brutish behavior.

From Seattle Times

Those simple yet brutish horns on their helmet?

From Los Angeles Times