What does "brutality" mean?

1. (cruel behavior) the quality of being very cruel, violent, or heartless. 2. (a violent act) a specific act of violence or cruelty. 3. (excessive force) the use of too much physical force, especially by people in power like the police.

How do you use "brutality"?

often appears in the fixed phrase 'police brutality'

brutality

US //bɹuˈtæɫəti// UK //bɹuːtˈælɪti// bru·tal·i·ty

1 cruel behavior (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the quality of being very cruel, violent, or heartless.

the abstract quality of being savage, ruthless, or lacking in humanity.

Example

The documentary showed the brutality of life in the war zone.

Example

The sheer brutality of the regime's crackdown on dissent shocked international observers and led to immediate sanctions.
- cruelty
- savagery
- viciousness
2 a violent act (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a specific act of violence or cruelty.

a particular instance or manifestation of savage or cruel behavior; often used in the plural.

Example

The police were accused of several brutalities during the protest.

Example

The report detailed the various brutalities committed by the occupying forces against the local civilian population.
- atrocity
- assault

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3 excessive force (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Law

the use of too much physical force, especially by people in power like the police.

the application of excessive or illegal physical force, typically by law enforcement or military personnel.

Example

The city saw many protests against police brutality last summer.

Example

The civil rights lawyer argued that the body-camera footage provided undeniable evidence of police brutality during the arrest.

Usage

often appears in the fixed phrase 'police brutality'
- violence
- force
- restraint

Origin

From brutal + -ity.