brutality
The documentary exposed the brutality of the regime's secret police.
The film revealed the cruel and violent actions committed by the government's hidden police force.
The quality of being cruel, savage, or violent; harsh and inhuman treatment.
The judge condemned the brutality of the assault.
The judge strongly criticized the cruel nature of the physical attack.
Often used in legal or human rights contexts to describe excessive force.
A specific act of extreme violence or cruelty.
The report detailed several brutalities committed during the conflict.
The document described multiple specific acts of extreme violence that happened during the war.
Can be used in the plural form to refer to multiple distinct violent incidents.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'brutality' for serious, physical, or systemic violence. For everyday unkindness, use 'cruelty' or 'meanness'. 'Brutality' implies a level of shock or horror.
Gold Rule
Collocation Awareness
It is frequently paired with 'police', 'state', or 'war'. Be careful not to use it for minor conflicts; it implies severe harm.
Word Origin
From Latin 'brutalis' (of beasts), derived from 'brutum' (beast, dumb thing), emphasizing a lack of human reason or feeling.
Usage Notes
This is a formal noun. It carries a heavy, serious tone and is typically used in news reports, academic writing, or legal discussions. It is not used in casual conversation to describe minor annoyances.