brutality
noun
bru·tal·i·ty
brü-ˈta-lə-tē 
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action
Synonyms
Examples of brutality in a Sentence
the brutalities of a prison
the police were accused of brutality for using excessive force in making arrests
Recent Examples on the Web
There was plenty of testimony of past episodes of widespread regime brutality, such as the crushing of a Shiite uprising in 1991.
—
Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Jan. 2025
The officer remained anonymous, identifying himself only as Caesar, but experts quickly verified his photographs—documentary proof of systematic brutality.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
The creation of an inspector general position was among a raft of police reforms passed by the City Council in the wake of widespread protests over police brutality.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025
There is no graphic brutality spared in the long climax wherein Wendy tries to rescue her brother.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for brutality 
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Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Jan. 2025
The officer remained anonymous, identifying himself only as Caesar, but experts quickly verified his photographs—documentary proof of systematic brutality.
—Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
The creation of an inspector general position was among a raft of police reforms passed by the City Council in the wake of widespread protests over police brutality.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025
There is no graphic brutality spared in the long climax wherein Wendy tries to rescue her brother.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for brutality
Dictionary Entries Near brutality
Cite this Entry
“Brutality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brutality. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brutality
noun
bru·tal·i·ty
brü-ˈtal-ət-ē
plural brutalities
1
: the quality or state of being brutal
2
: a brutal act or course of action
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