Definition of brutality
brutalities
1 : the quality or state of being brutal
2 : a brutal act or course of action
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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 of brutality from the Web
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Media outlets and prominent voices on police brutality and gun violence noted the organization's first statement about Castile was subdued and passive relative to their strident, clear statements in solidarity with law enforcement.
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Many point to police brutality, discrimination, joblessness, and inadequate housing to be major causes of the unrest.
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The late-night ambush happened during a downtown protest against police brutality.
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To critics of Putin, Magnitsky, in death, became a symbol of corruption and brutality in the Russian state.
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Thrones had by then become the pacesetter for all of TV in its willingness to forgo a simple happy ending in favor of delivering pleasure through brutality.
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National politics gave the issue prominence, with waves of protests over police brutality toward African Americans.
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Critics say this legislation may dilute the intent of Kentucky's hate-crime law and could be used to punish people who protest police brutality.
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But unlike those other cases, this one focuses on the alleged brutality of guards, which was the genesis of a now 2-year-old FBI investigation that has expanded to look at other issues.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'brutality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of brutality
1550
BRUTALITY Defined for English Language Learners
brutality
playDefinition of brutality for English Language Learners
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: cruel, harsh, and usually violent treatment of another person
BRUTALITY Defined for Kids
brutality
playDefinition of brutality for Students
brutalities
1 : the quality of being cruel and harsh … she wept and importuned Heaven with a recital of their brutality. — Jack London, The Call of the Wild
2 : a cruel and harsh act or course of action the brutalities of prison
Learn More about brutality
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See words that rhyme with brutality Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for brutality Spanish Central: Translation of brutality Nglish: Translation of brutality for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of brutality for Arabic speakers
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