Brutalize: meaning, definitions and examples

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brutalize

 

[bruหtษ™lสŒษชz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical violence

To brutalize someone means to subject them to extreme cruelty or violence, often resulting in physical or psychological harm. This term can refer not only to acts of aggression but also to the systemic abuse that can occur in certain environments, leading to a culture of fear and oppression. The act of brutalizing can take on many forms, such as torture, physical assault, or even psychological manipulation that dehumanizes an individual. The repercussions of such actions can have lasting effects on victims and communities.

Synonyms

abuse, maltreat, mistreat, torture.

Examples of usage

  • He was brutally brutalized by the gang.
  • The documentary depicted how war can brutalize societies.
  • They feared the regime would brutalize dissenters.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'brutalis,' meaning 'like a brute or animal,' indicating a lack of kindness.
  • It was first recorded in English in the late 19th century during discussions about war and violence, highlighting its strong emotional weight.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals exposed to violent behavior are more likely to adopt similar behaviors, reflecting a cycle of brutality.
  • The concept of 'dehumanization' is often linked with this word, where empathy towards others is diminished, allowing acts of extreme cruelty.

Literature

  • Many authors use this word to describe characters who exhibit extreme violence, demonstrating the dark side of human nature.
  • In dystopian novels, brutalization often serves as a tool for exploring themes of power, control, and the loss of humanity.

History

  • During wars throughout history, brutalization has been a tactic used to instill fear and maintain control over populations.
  • Historical accounts often document how conquerors brutalized the vanquished, leaving lasting scars on societies.

Media

  • Violence in films and video games often portrays brutalization, raising discussions about its impact on societal norms and behavior.
  • Documentaries exploring crime and punishment often address the brutalization of victims and how it affects communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "brutalize" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น brutalizar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคฐเฅ‚เคฐ เคฌเคจเคพเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช brutalisieren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ brutalisasi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั€ัƒั‚ะฐะปั–ะทัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ brutalizowaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆฎ‹้…ทใซใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท brutaliser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ brutalizar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท brutalize etmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ž”์ธํ•˜๊ฒŒ ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชูˆุญุด

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ brutalizovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ brutalizovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฎ‹ๅฟๅฏนๅพ…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ brutalizirati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ brutalรญsera

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑั€ัƒั‚ะฐะปัŒะดะฐะฝะดั‹ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ แƒฃแƒขแƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒ–แƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ brutallaลŸdฤฑrmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ brutalizar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,154, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.