brutality
noun/ˌbɹuːˈtælɪti/ · [ˌbɹʷʊu̯ˈtʰælɪtʰɪi̯]
Etymology From brutal + -ity.
1
The state of being brutal.
2
A cruel or savage act.
- ‘Then the father has a great fight with his terrible conscience,’ said Munday with granite seriousness. ‘Should he make a row with the police[…]? Or should he say nothing about it and condone brutality for fear of appearing in the newspapers?1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 18, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
3
The use of excessive physical force, often in the form of violence.
- police brutality
- school brutality
- Derived terms
- police brutality