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brutalize JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈbruːtələˌzaɪz/ · bru·tal·ize
verb
  1. To inflict brutal violence on; to treat with savage force. The militia brutalized the refugees, leaving the town in ruins.
  2. To make something or someone brutal, cruel, or harsh. The relentless criticism brutalized the young artist’s confidence.
  3. To live or behave like a brute; to act in a coarse, uncivilized manner. He brutalized the negotiation, refusing any compromise or polite discourse.
Did you know? Although common in American journalism, "brutalize" is less frequent than the British spelling "brutalise", which appears in older literary works.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 14, 2026