English Lexicon

Brutalize

/ˈbruː.tə.laɪz/
verbCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #15000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To make something brutal or savage in nature.

    "The harsh conditions of the war seemed to brutalize the soldiers."
  2. 2

    To treat someone or something in a cruel or violent manner.

    "The documentary revealed how the prisoners were brutalized by their captors."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'brutalize' originates from the Latin root 'brutalis', meaning 'brutal' or 'savage', which evolved through Old French before entering English in the late 19th century. The term reflects a shift from describing physical violence to encompassing emotional and psychological harshness.

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