brutality

[broo-tal-i-tee]

noun

plural

brutalities 

1. the quality of being brutal; cruelty; savagery.

2. a brutal act or practice.

Other Word Forms

• overbrutality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brutality¹

First recorded in 1540–50; brutal + -ity

Example Sentences

The brutality quickly became frightening to all who watched.

From Los Angeles Times

The incidents grew into what Goodall called the four-year war, a period of brutality carried out by a band of male chimpanzees from a region known as the Kasakela Valley.

From Los Angeles Times

The brutality of the crime has sent shockwaves through the region, with thousands taking part in anti-femicide protests in Buenos Aires on Sunday.

From BBC

She added: "I and all who loved Leo will live knowing of the brutality he suffered to his last breath."

From BBC

Beginning around 2002, Gonzales-Day assembled found, if largely forgotten, old photographs that document astounding brutality in shaping the history of the American West.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• atrocity 
• barbarism 
• barbarity 
• cruelty 
• inhumanity 
• savagery