English Meaning & Definitions
To treat someone with extreme physical violence or cruelty.
- “The prisoners claimed they were brutalized by the guards during interrogation.”
- “The stray dog had clearly been brutalized before it was rescued.”
To make someone vicious, cruel, or insensitive, especially through harsh experiences or exposure to violence.
- “Many sociologists argue that prolonged exposure to war can brutalize a generation of young soldiers.”
- “Living in such a harsh environment can easily brutalize a person's empathy.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “brutalize”.
Derived from the French 'brutaliser', formed from the Latin 'brutalis' (brutish, animal-like), ultimately from 'brutus' (heavy, dull, stupid, irrational). The verb entered the English language in the late 18th century.
Think of making someone 'brutal' or treating them like a 'brute'.
Frequently Asked Questions About “brutalize”
1. What is the meaning of “brutalize” in English?
In English, brutalize (verb) is defined as: “To treat someone with extreme physical violence or cruelty.”.
2. How do you use “brutalize” in a sentence?
“The prisoners claimed they were brutalized by the guards during interrogation.”
3. What are English synonyms of “brutalize”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “brutalize”?
Derived from the French 'brutaliser', formed from the Latin 'brutalis' (brutish, animal-like), ultimately from 'brutus' (heavy, dull, stupid, irrational). The verb entered the English language in the late 18th century.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.