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 of brutality

• 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

Critics, meanwhile, brought up police brutality, citing the killing of George Floyd, the video of which spurred national outrage. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026

Outside the home are the brutalities and horrors of war and the aftermath of war and of life under the Taliban’s first regime; inside are the brutalities and horrors of domestic violence at the hands of Rasheed. —Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026

Silence in the face of such brutalities and atrocious crimes is not an option. —Hamid Kashani, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026

The demonstration, in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, was against police brutality. —Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026

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