brute — meaning in English

English meaning

• brute noun A rough, violent, or unthinking person.
• bully noun A person who deliberately mistreats, threatens, or intimidates others they see as weaker.
• ruffian noun A violent, lawless, or thuggish person.

Senses

brute is used for these senses in English:

• brute A person with the characteristics of an unthinking animal; a coarse or brutal person, particularly one who is dim-witted. [from 17th c.]
• bully A person who is intentionally physically or emotionally cruel to others, especially to those whom they perceive as being vulnerable or of less power or privilege. [from late 17th c.]
• ruffian A scoundrel, rascal, or unprincipled, deceitful, brutal and unreliable person.

brute — full definition

1. noun A rough, violent, or unthinking person.
2. adjective Purely physical, with no reasoning or subtlety involved.

bully — full definition

1. noun A person who deliberately mistreats, threatens, or intimidates others they see as weaker.
2. verb To intimidate or act aggressively toward someone, typically someone perceived as weaker.
3. adj Excellent or first-rate (dated, informal).

Related French words