Brutality

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/bruːˈtælɪti/

Definitions

• Brutality (noun): Extreme cruelty or violence; the quality of being savage, harsh, or barbaric in nature or action.
• Brutality (noun): An act of violence or cruelty, especially one that is unprovoked or unwarranted.

Usage Examples

• "The brutality of the regime shocked the world, as it conducted mass arrests and executions without trial."
• "The brutality of the war left scars on the land and its people that would take generations to heal."
• "Witnesses testified about the brutality of the police actions during the protest, calling for justice."

Etymology

The word "brutality" comes from the Latin "brutalis," meaning "rough, cruel, or savage," which is derived from "brutus," meaning "dull" or "insensitive." The term began to be used in the 16th century to describe cruel or savage actions, particularly in the context of war or state oppression.

Synonyms

• Cruelty
• Savageness
• Barbarism
• Inhumanity
• Ferocity

Antonyms

• Compassion
• Kindness
• Humanity
• Mercy
• Gentleness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /bruːˈtælɪti/
• American English: /bruːˈtælɪti/

Historical Usage

Brutality has historically been used to describe extreme cruelty in the context of warfare, political oppression, and systemic violence. The term gained prominence during the 19th and 20th centuries as acts of brutal violence became increasingly documented in the media, especially in connection to colonialism, civil wars, and authoritarian regimes.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the concept of brutality may be understood in varying ways. While some cultures may view brutality as a necessary evil in times of war, others may condemn any form of cruelty. In contemporary society, brutality is often discussed in the context of human rights violations, police brutality, and the treatment of marginalized groups.

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