brutality

bru-tal-i-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Savage physical violence or cruelty.

  2. 2.

    Cruel and harsh treatment.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    police brutality — excessive force used by law enforcement

Related words

Antonyms: compassion, gentleness, kindness
See also: cruelty, savagery, violence
Synonyms: cruelty, ferocity, savagery

Etymology

From Latin "brutalis" meaning of or belonging to brutes, with suffix "-ity" indicating a state or quality.