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

What’s consistent is the honesty — the humor, the brutality and the willingness to go to places not many people dare to go. —Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026

Anyone with 25% of their brain functioning could see this was police brutality and these thugs are a menace perpetrated on society. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026

Members come and go, styles evolve with the times and tools available, but wherever Reznor and Ross are gathered in the name of elegant brutality, the band can follow anywhere. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026

Yet, while Munro’s denial was a horrible violence, Fremlin’s deplorable acts were the original brutality. —Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 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