brutality

noun

bru·tal·i·ty | \brü-ˈta-lə-tē

plural brutalities

Definition of brutality

1 : the quality or state of being brutal

2 : a brutal act or course of action

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about brutality

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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 on the Web

If the show continues to stick close to the books — one season per novel is planned — Lila and Elena will experience, in ever more serious ways, the brutality of their neighborhood. — Anna North, Vox, "My Brilliant Friend pulls back the curtain on women’s lives. What it reveals is dark and violent.," 20 Nov. 2018 But for one New York City woman, there are few better ways to see the world than from the quiet brutality of open water. — Condé Nast Traveler, "Women Who Travel Podcast: A Record-Setting Swimmer on Seeing the World by Water," 20 Aug. 2018 Hoffman isn’t alone: Ms. Perry’s novel is a master class in the history of human brutality. — Elizabeth Lowry, WSJ, "‘Melmoth’ Review: The Wanderer Returns," 11 Oct. 2018 Kim rules with extreme brutality, making his nation among the worst human rights violators in the world. — BostonGlobe.com, "Atrocities under Kim Jong Un: Indoctrination, prison gulags, executions," 13 June 2018 There is no excuse for police brutality and racial discrimination. — Alysha Tsuji, For The Win, "Bucks players support Sterling Brown after police release arrest video," 23 May 2018 The praise for the North Korean leader is a dramatic shift for the U.S., which has long criticized the Kim family dynasty for brutality and deceit. — Fortune, "Trump Says North Korea's Kim Jong Un Has Been 'Very Honorable'," 24 Apr. 2018 Instead of renegade robots preying on humans, the show zeroed in on the nascent humanity of these artificial constructs, contrasted with the brutality inflicted upon them by people indulging their darkest impulses and fantasies. — Brian Lowry, CNN, "'Westworld' remains easy to admire, harder to like in new season," 19 Apr. 2018 That ISIS’s penchant for brutality is matched by its acumen for efficient bureaucracy. — Longreads, "The Top 5 Longreads of the Week," 6 Apr. 2018

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.