brutality

noun

bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈta-lə-tē 

plural brutalities

1

: the quality or state of being brutal

2

: a brutal act or course of action

Synonyms

• cruelty
• atrocity

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

More Ethan Miller/Getty Images Their history is defined by brutality. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

For a country still reckoning with the brutality of its dark past, the trial of several high ranking military officers in a civilian court is a singular achievement. —Adriana Carranca, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

The internet taught me about fourth-wave feminism and the #MeToo movement, about the Black Panther Party and police brutality, about politics and global wars. —Padma Balaji, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025

Republicans and Democrats alike must stand united in condemning this brutality that has no place in America. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for brutality

• banality
• bestiality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality
• lethality

Kids Definition

brutality

noun

bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural brutalities

1

: the quality or state of being brutal

2

: a brutal act or course of action