Brute: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe someone or something that is rough, violent, or lacking sensitivity. It can refer to an animalistic or uncultured person.

• He behaved like a brute, smashing everything in his path.
• The brute force of the storm destroyed several houses.

Used to describe actions or people that cause pain and suffering intentionally. It indicates a lack of compassion or empathy.

• It was cruel to leave the dog out in the cold all night.
• She made several cruel remarks about his weight.

Used to describe someone who is extremely violent and uncontrolled. It can also refer to something wild and natural, though often with negative connotations related to brutality.

• The savage attack left the victim seriously injured.
• He has a savage temper that scares everyone.

Used in situations where someone’s behavior is so cruel and severe that it seems beyond the normal capacity of human empathy or morality. It can also refer to something that lacks human qualities.

• The conditions in the prison were inhuman.
• His inhuman treatment of the workers was condemned by human rights groups.

Used to describe someone who is very strong and rough, often without any consideration for others' feelings. Can also refer to a wild animal.

• He acted like a brute, smashing everything in his path.
• The lion is a majestic brute in the wild.

A word used to describe a violent criminal or gangster, often associated with organized crime. Carries a strongly negative connotation.

• The thug threatened him with a knife.
• They were caught by the police after robbing a store, labeled as thugs by the media.

Refers to a person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable. Generally, it has a negative connotation.

• The schoolyard bully took his lunch money every day.
• She felt powerless against the online bully's attacks.

Implied to describe a rough, lawless person, often involved in crime or violence. Has an old-fashioned or literary tone.

• The ruffian was arrested for causing a disturbance at the pub.
• The story’s hero had to outsmart a group of ruffians.

Used to describe someone who is very strong but not gentle; often used in a negative way to refer to lack of intelligence or sensitivity.

• The brute force of the wrestler was unmatched in the ring.
• He acted like a brute when he pushed everyone to get to the front of the line.