brutish adj. + Add to list US //ˈbɹutɪʃ// UK //bɹˈuːtɪʃ// brutish SynonymsEtymology Synonyms beastlybestialbrutalbruteOrigin From brute + -ish. Idioms1 entry01nasty, brutish, and shortOf a hypothetical state of human life, without a government or society, and marked by constant fear, violence, and insecurity.