Brutify
/ˈbruː.tɪ.faɪ/noun
To make brutal or less civilized, or to become brutalized.
Did you know?The root comes from Latin *brutus*, meaning “heavy,” “dull,” or “senseless,” and was famously associated with Marcus Junius Brutus, whose name became linked to Roman political violence through his role in Caesar’s assassination.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
brutus
“Heavy, dull, stupid, or senseless; also an animal lacking human reason”
Late Latin
Latin
brutus
“Brutish or animal-like, especially in contrast with rational humanity”
15th Century
English
brute
“An animal, especially one regarded as lacking human intelligence; later, a brutal person”
16th Century
English
brutal
“Characterized by a brute’s lack of reason or humanity”
19th Century
English
brutify
“To make brutal, coarse, or less civilized”
Modern English
English
brutify
“To brutalize or reduce someone’s refinement, sensitivity, or humanity”