Brutality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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brutality
[brสหtรฆlษti ]
Definition
act of cruelty
Brutality refers to the act of extreme cruelty or violence towards others, often resulting in physical or emotional harm. It is the deliberate infliction of pain, suffering, or harsh treatment on someone.
Synonyms
barbarity, cruelty, inhumanity, sadism, savagery.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brutality |
Refers to extreme and deliberate violence or cruelty, often used in the context of police or state actions, or in violent crime.
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| cruelty |
General term for actions causing suffering or pain, can be physical or emotional and is often applied to both humans and animals.
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| savagery |
Implies primitive and uncontrolled violence mostly associated with wild, fierce, and brutal behavior. Often used to describe attacks or wars.
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| sadism |
Refers to deriving pleasure from inflicting pain or suffering on others. It's often used in psychological contexts or to describe particularly malevolent behavior.
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| barbarity |
Implies uncivilized, savage actions, often associated with ancient or less developed societies but can also describe extreme cruelty in modern times.
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| inhumanity |
Describes behavior that is extremely cruel and shows a lack of compassion, generally used for actions that are morally repugnant.
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Examples of usage
- The brutality of the dictator's regime shocked the world.
- The brutality of the attack left the victim with severe injuries.
- The brutality of the crime scene indicated a heinous act.
- Her eyes reflected the brutality of the situation she had endured.
- The brutality of war can have long-lasting effects on individuals.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Latin root 'brutus', which means 'heavy' or 'dull', later evolving to mean 'cruel' or 'savage'.
- Brutality can often be seen in historical events where the weak were oppressed by the powerful, illustrating human conflict throughout ages.
Psychology
- Research shows that individuals exposed to violence may become desensitized, meaning they no longer react emotionally to brutality.
- The concept of 'moral disengagement' explains how people can commit acts of brutality while feeling justified or disconnected from their actions.
Media and Art
- Brutality is often depicted in films and literature to highlight societal issues and provoke thought about human nature.
- Certain artistic movements, like expressionism, illustrate brutality to evoke strong emotional responses from viewers.
Modern Context
- In contemporary discussions, issues of police brutality have sparked worldwide movements advocating for justice and equality.
- Social media has played a significant role in raising awareness about acts of brutality, helping people connect and organize for change.
Ethics
- Philosophers debate the ethics of brutal actions, questioning the morality of violence in conflict resolution.
- Human rights organizations work tirelessly to document and combat brutality, emphasizing the need for compassion and empathy.
Origin of 'brutality'
The word 'brutality' has its origins in the Latin word 'brutalis', which means 'like an animal'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the concept of extreme cruelty and violence. The use of brutality in language dates back to ancient times, where it was often associated with acts of barbarism and inhumanity. Throughout history, various atrocities have been described as acts of brutality, highlighting the harsh and violent nature of such actions.
See also: brutally.