What does brutalise mean?
Brutalise is a verb that means to treat someone with extreme cruelty or violence, often in a way that is intended to intimidate or humiliate them. This can include physical or emotional abuse, and is often used to describe actions that are intended to break someone's spirit or will. The word can be used in a variety of contexts, including politics, law enforcement, and social justice, and can carry a strong negative connotation. In formal or informal language, brutalise is often used to describe actions that are considered unacceptable or inhumane, and can be used to condemn such actions. The word has been used in this way in many different cultures and languages, and is a powerful tool for describing and condemning cruelty and violence.
verbTo treat someone with extreme cruelty or violence, often in a way that is intended to intimidate or humiliate them.
- To treat someone with extreme cruelty or violence
"The dictator's regime brutalised its opponents, using torture and forced labor to break their spirits."
"The dictator's regime brutalised its opponents, using torture and forced labor to break their spirits."
"The police officer was accused of brutalising the suspect, using excessive force during the arrest."
The plural form of brutalise is used to describe multiple instances of the verb, and is often used in formal or informal language.
"The regime brutalised its opponents on multiple occasions, using torture and forced labor to break their spirits."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of brutalise
The word brutalise is derived from the adjective brutal, which means cruel or violent. The verb form of the word is thought to have originated in the 17th century, and is likely related to the French verb brutaliser, which means to make someone cruel or violent. The word has been used in English since the 18th century, and has been used to describe a wide range of actions, including physical and emotional abuse.
How brutalise is actually used
Brutalise is a formal or informal verb that can be used in a variety of contexts, including politics, law enforcement, and social justice. It is often used to describe actions that are intended to intimidate or humiliate, and can carry a strong negative connotation.