brutality

noun

bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce brutality (audio)
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The spectacle was carried out with breathtaking emptiness, revealing American values while glorifying Putin’s brutality. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025 The city has previously denied using tows to make money and has denied claims that Furman was engaged in police brutality, noting he was investigated by Michigan State Police in one incident but cleared. Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Critics often portray Truman's decision as an act of monstrous brutality—a flex of raw military might by a sadistic and trigger-happy superpower. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025 There is culture in the peeling art deco apartment buildings in Hollywood and the bustling flower market in downtown at 5 AM, and the Black Cat Tavern on Sunset which staged LGBTQ demonstrations against police brutality in 1967. Ella Berman august 7, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brutality

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of brutality was in 1550

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brutality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brutality. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

brutality

noun
bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce brutality (audio)
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action

More from Merriam-Webster on brutality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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