brutalize

[ broot-l-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, bru·tal·ized, bru·tal·iz·ing.

1. to make brutal.
2. to treat (someone) with brutality.

brutalize

/ ˈbruːtəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become brutal
2. tr to treat brutally

Derived Forms

• ˌbrutaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• brutal·i·zation noun
• over·brutal·i·zation noun
• over·brutal·ize verb (used with object) overbrutalized overbrutalizing
• un·brutal·ize verb (used with object) unbrutalized unbrutalizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of brutalize¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; brutal + -ize

Example Sentences

I heard that your fight back caused them to get more violent and brutalize you further.

From The Daily Beast

They run the economy, own major industries, and brutalize their foes—and Khamenei almost never contradicts them.

From The Daily Beast

His countenance showed marks of dissipation, for he was a heavy drinker, and this served to further brutalize his nature.

From Project Gutenberg

The cursings and obscenities that taint the air and brutalize life elsewhere, were in this quaint old settlement unknown.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of softening his nature, this intelligence seemed only to harden and brutalize it.

From Project Gutenberg

Human nature is everywhere much the same: cruel spectacles brutalize, whether in Spain or on a negro-plantation.

From Project Gutenberg

It has a natural, an inevitable tendency to brutalize every noble faculty of man.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• maltreat
• mistreat
• torment