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Brutality - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Brutality is extreme cruelty or violence, often involving physical force that causes severe harm or suffering. It describes actions that are harsh, savage, and lacking mercy or compassion.

brutality

/bruˈtæləti/ /bruːˈtæləti/

Definition:

Savage physical violence or cruel behavior, often causing extreme suffering.

Synonyms:

Cruelty, savagery, violence, ferocity, harshness

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

Kindness, gentleness

Common Collocations:

Police brutality, acts of brutality, sheer brutality, brutal brutality, wartime brutality

Derivatives:

Brutalize, brutally, brutalism

Usage Tips:

Use "brutality" to describe extreme cruelty or violence, often in contexts like war or law enforcement.

Common Phrases:

Reign of terror, brute force, brutal honesty

Etymology:

Derived from Latin "brutalis," meaning "savage" or "irrational," related to "brutus" (dull, stupid).

Examples:

  • 1. The police were accused of brutality during the protest.
  • 2. The documentary exposed the brutality of the dictator’s regime.
  • 3. Animal brutality is a serious crime in many countries.
  • 4. His speech condemned the brutality of war.

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