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

The warlords often brutalized Afghan civilians, including women and children.

From Washington Post

Then, like now, the Taliban were rapidly gaining ground amid a brutal civil war, capturing cities, brutalizing enemies and marching toward Kabul.

From Ozy

Gobert might not be able to brutalize Morris or Batum in the post — that’s just not his game.

From FiveThirtyEight

Fans have seen him brutalize opponents with this play over and over.

From FiveThirtyEight

And, of course, it’s arriving in summer 2021 — a time when, in America at least, it’s starting to feel like the days of an isolating, brutalizing pandemic are waning.

From Vox

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