The word "brutalizes" is spelled with a "z" at the end, despite the fact that the sound it makes is usually spelled with an "s" in English. This is because the word is derived from the noun "brutality," which ends in "-ity." When a suffix beginning with a vowel (like "-ize") is added to a word ending in "-ity," the "t" is usually replaced with a "z." That's why "brutality" becomes "brutalize." The IPA phonetic transcription for "brutalizes" is /ˈbruːtəlaɪzɪz/.
Brutalizes, verb:
1. To subject someone or something to severe physical or psychological violence, causing extreme pain, harm, or injury. This can involve intense aggression, cruelty, or savagery towards the victim, often resulting in severe trauma or even death. The act of brutalizing is characterized by an intentional and forceful exertion of power, frequently motivated by a desire for dominance, punishment, or control.
2. To degrade or dehumanize someone by subjecting them to cruel, ruthless, or inhumane treatment. This can include verbal or emotional abuse, as well as actions aimed at eroding the victim's dignity, self-esteem, or basic human rights. The act of brutalizing can manifest in various forms, such as humiliation, oppression, discrimination, or exploitation, and often occurs within a broader context of power imbalance or systemic injustice.
3. To transform or deteriorate something, such as a place or an object, by causing it to become rough, harsh, or unrefined. This can involve damaging or destroying its physical integrity, beauty, or quality through forceful or violent actions. The act of brutalizing in this sense implies a destructive change that results in an unpleasant or undesirable state. This definition is commonly used when referring to the alteration or degradation of landscapes, architecture, artwork, or cultural heritage.
The word "brutalizes" is derived from the noun "brutal" and the suffix "-ize".
The noun "brutal" originated from the Latin word "brutalis", which means "of or pertaining to brutes". In Latin, "brutus" meant "dull" or "stupid". Over time, the meaning of "brutal" evolved to refer to actions or behavior characterized by extreme cruelty, violence, or savagery.
The suffix "-ize" is of Greek origin and is used to form verbs denoting the process or action of making something possess a certain quality or characteristic. When added to "brutal", the suffix "-ize" creates the verb "brutalize", which means to subject someone or something to acts of extreme cruelty, violence, or harshness.