brutality

noun

bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce brutality (audio)
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sight of Musk swinging a chainsaw onstage at a conservative conference captured the pell-mell approach, not to mention the brutality, of the billionaire’s plan to bring the federal government to heel. Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025 The sight of Musk swinging a chainsaw onstage at a conservative conference captured the pell-mell approach, not to mention the brutality, of the billionaire’s plan to bring the federal government to heel. Andy Kroll, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025 And as civil rights protesters proved decades ago, a righteous, peaceful protest that is met with brutality can unmute even a silent majority. Nancy Gibbs, Time, 17 Oct. 2025 Yet, they were also entirely removed from most of the brutalities, as the Netherlands remained neutral throughout the war. JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brutality

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of brutality was in 1550

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brutality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brutality. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

brutality

noun
bru·​tal·​i·​ty brü-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce brutality (audio)
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action

More from Merriam-Webster on brutality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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