adjective

brutal

Translation

brutal, savage, cruel

The dictator's regime was brutal.

The heat in the desert was brutal.

He gave a brutally honest opinion.

be brutal to ((sb.)) to be cruel to ((sb.)) The guards were brutal to the prisoners.

a brutal ((noun)) a harsh or severe ((noun)) It was a brutal winter.

Synonyms: cruel, savage, harsh; Antonyms: gentle, kind

From Latin 'brutalis' meaning 'of or belonging to a brute', related to 'brutus' (heavy, stupid).

Connects to the word 'brute', an animal-like, cruel person. Think of brutal actions as being like those of a brute.