Brutality

Full definition of brutality

Noun

1. The state of being brutal.
2. A cruel or savage act.
• 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter 18, ‘Then the father has a great fight with his terrible conscience,’ said Munday with granite seriousness. ‘Should he make a row with the police â€¦?  Or should he say nothing about it and condone brutality for fear of appearing in the newspapers?
3. The use of excessive physical force e.g. police brutality.

Related terms

• atrocity