Brutalize

Pronunciation: /ˈbruːtəˌlaɪz/

Definitions of brutalize

verb to treat someone in a cruel and violent way

Example Sentences

A1 The bully tried to brutalize the smaller kids on the playground.

A2 The dictator's regime brutalized its citizens, causing fear and unrest.

B1 The prisoner was brutalized by the guards during interrogation.

B2 The war crimes tribunal heard testimony of soldiers who brutalized civilians during the conflict.

C1 The serial killer's brutalized victims haunted the detective's dreams.

C2 The documentary exposed the brutal tactics used to brutalize political dissidents in the country.

Examples of brutalize in a Sentence

formal The dictator's regime was known to brutalize its citizens in order to maintain control.

informal I can't believe how that coach brutalized the referee during the game.

slang The bullies in school would constantly brutalize the younger kids.

figurative The harsh criticism from the media seemed to brutalize the actor's confidence.

Grammatical Forms of brutalize

• past tense: brutalized
• plural: brutalizes
• comparative: more brutalized
• superlative: most brutalized
• present tense: brutalize
• future tense: will brutalize
• perfect tense: have brutalized
• continuous tense: brutalizing
• singular: brutalize
• positive degree: brutal
• infinitive: to brutalize
• gerund: brutalizing
• participle: brutalized

Origin and Evolution of brutalize

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'brutalize' originated from the Latin word 'brutalis' which means savage or cruel.

Evolution of the word: Initially used to describe acts of extreme cruelty or violence, the word 'brutalize' has evolved to also encompass the idea of causing emotional or psychological harm to someone, often through dehumanizing or degrading treatment.