brutalize

especially British, bru·tal·ise

[broot-l-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

brutalized, brutalizing 

1. to make brutal.

2. to treat (someone) with brutality.

brutalize

/ ˈbruːtəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make or become brutal

2. (tr) to treat brutally

Other Word Forms

• brutalization noun
• overbrutalization noun
• overbrutalize verb (used with object)
• unbrutalize verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of brutalize¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; brutal + -ize

Example Sentences

She had been sitting at her desk when her supervisor handed her a letter from an inmate alleging jailers were brutalizing people in their custody.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this year, Israeli settlers brutalized another member of the Oscar-winning “No Other Land” team.

From Los Angeles Times

“That is just brutalizing a community ... it’s disgusting.”

From Los Angeles Times

“To see women and children brutalized, older people, people without weapons, killed in front of their family.”

From Los Angeles Times

Between the apocalyptic wildfires, brutalizing hurricanes and the president’s personal dedication to revamping Mel Gibson's film career, it’s plainly obvious we’re headed toward total annihilation.

From Salon

Related Words

• maltreat 
• mistreat 
• torment