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Brutalizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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brutalizing

 

[ ˈbruːtəlˌaɪzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

inflicting harm

Brutalizing refers to the act of causing severe physical or psychological harm to someone, often in a way that is cruel, harsh, or violent. This term is typically used in contexts where the inflicted pain has a deep impact on the victim, reflecting a level of brutality that may go beyond mere physical violence. The implication is that the act has dehumanizing effects, not only on the person being harmed but also on the perpetrator. Brutalizing can occur in various scenarios, including domestic violence, state violence, or in the context of war. It highlights the darker aspects of human behavior.

Synonyms

cruelty, dehumanizing, mutilating, oppressing, torturing

Examples of usage

  • The news reported on the brutalizing attacks in the region.
  • Witnesses described the brutalizing treatment of prisoners.
  • The film depicted the brutalizing consequences of war.
  • Such actions are considered brutalizing and unacceptable.

Translations

Translations of the word "brutalizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brutalizando

🇮🇳 नृशंसता से व्यवहार करना

🇩🇪 brutalisieren

🇮🇩 brutalisasi

🇺🇦 бруталізуючи

🇵🇱 brutalizując

🇯🇵 残酷にする

🇫🇷 brutaliser

🇪🇸 brutalizando

🇹🇷 sertleştirmek

🇰🇷 잔인하게 만들다

🇸🇦 وحشيّة

🇨🇿 brutalizace

🇸🇰 brutalizácia

🇨🇳 残酷化

🇸🇮 brutalizacija

🇮🇸 grimmast

🇰🇿 жасандылық

🇬🇪 ბრუტალიზება

🇦🇿 şiddətləndirmək

🇲🇽 brutalizando

Etymology

The term 'brutalizing' is derived from the word 'brutal,' which has its roots in the Latin word 'brutalis,' meaning 'rough' or 'savage.' This Latin term itself stems from 'brutus,' which means 'heavy' or 'dull,' further suggesting a lack of humanity or sensitivity. The application of 'brutal' in English can be traced back to the early 17th century, where it began to describe actions that are savagely cruel or violent. Over the years, as societal understanding of violence and its effects on individuals and communities evolved, so did the use of the word 'brutalizing.' It has gained a more specific connotation tied to psychological and physical abuse, becoming particularly relevant in discussions surrounding trauma, human rights violations, and the impacts of warfare. Today, 'brutalizing' is often used to describe acts that go beyond mere violence, indicating an intention or disregard for human dignity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,702, 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.