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

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

From BBC

James has been a longtime critic of police brutality, advocating for reforms and change to protect Black men.

From Salon

With an army typically only being as strong as its society, we head to meet someone who experienced Russian brutality first-hand.

From BBC

Related Words

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