brutify: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Rare / ObsoleteFormal / Literary / Obsolete
Quick answer
What does “brutify” mean?
To make something or someone brutish, cruel, or insensitive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something or someone brutish, cruel, or insensitive; to treat with brutality.
Can describe the act of rendering something harsh, unrefined, or lacking in civilization or sensibility. Sometimes used in architectural/design contexts to describe a deliberate imposition of raw, brutalist aesthetics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern difference due to extreme rarity. Historically, slightly more attestation in British literary texts.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotation in both varieties, implying a forced descent into savagery or crudity.
Frequency
Virtually unused in contemporary speech or writing in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “brutify” in a Sentence
[Subject] brutifies [Object][Object] is brutified by [Subject]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brutify” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tyrannical regime sought to brutify its citizens through relentless propaganda and fear.
- He argued that such poverty would inevitably brutify the human spirit.
American English
- The critic claimed the new building's design brutified the city skyline.
- War has a tendency to brutify even the most compassionate souls.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use 'brutishly'.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use 'brutishly'.)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival form 'brutify'. Use 'brutish'.)
American English
- (No standard adjectival form 'brutify'. Use 'brutal' or 'brutish'.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely, in historical or literary criticism discussing themes of dehumanization.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used, except perhaps in niche architectural discourse on Brutalism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brutify”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brutify”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'brutalize' (which is far more common).
- Misspelling as 'brutafy' or 'brutify' (correct).
- Assuming it is a current, active part of the vocabulary.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is marked as archaic or obsolete in most major dictionaries. It is derived from 'brute' and was used in older literary texts.
'Brutalize' is the standard, modern verb with two main meanings: 1) to treat someone brutally, 2) to make someone brutish. 'Brutify' is an archaic synonym only for the second meaning (to make brutish).
Generally, no. It will sound odd or pretentious to most listeners/readers. Use 'brutalize', 'dehumanize', 'coarsen', or 'harden' instead, depending on the precise context.
Almost never. Its connotations are overwhelmingly negative, relating to loss of humanity or refinement. A possible rare exception might be in artistic discourse praising 'brutalist' architecture, but even there it would be unusual.
To make something or someone brutish, cruel, or insensitive.
Brutify is usually formal / literary / obsolete in register.
Brutify: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbruːtɪfʌɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbruːtəˌfaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None attested for this specific verb)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BRUte' + 'modIFY' = to modify someone into a brute.
Conceptual Metaphor
CIVILIZATION IS REFINEMENT / therefore BRUTIFYING IS A REVERSAL INTO A RAW, PRIMAL STATE.
Practice
Quiz
The word 'brutify' is best described as: