violent / forceful
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violent
Using physical force, often with the intention of injuring, damaging, or killing someone or something.
Die Demonstranten wurden gewaltsam von der Polizei vom Platz entfernt.
The protesters were violently removed from the square by the police.
forced
In a figurative sense, forced, unnatural, or not happening on its own.
Er unterdrückte nur gewaltsam ein Gähnen während des langen Vortrags.
He only forced back a yawn during the long lecture.
The adjective 'gewaltsam' (violent/forceful) is derived from the noun 'die Gewalt' (violence/force). The ending '-sam' means something like 'full of' or 'characterized by'. So something is 'gewaltsam' when it is marked by violence or force.
Der Einbruch in die Bank war sehr gewaltsam.
The break-in at the bank was very violent.
'Gewaltsam' is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then usually stands directly with the verb.
Die Polizei löste die Blockade gewaltsam auf.
The police forcibly broke up the blockade.
In its literal meaning, 'gewaltsam' is often connected with negative events. Common combinations are 'ein gewaltsamer Tod' (a violent death), 'ein gewaltsames Eindringen' (a forced entry), or 'eine gewaltsame Auseinandersetzung' (a violent confrontation).
Die Zeugen berichteten von einem gewaltsamen Übergriff.
The witnesses reported a violent assault.
In the figurative meaning, 'gewaltsam' describes something that seems forced and unnatural. It is often used to describe the suppression of feelings or reactions.
Sie konnte ein gewaltsames Lachen nicht unterdrücken.
She could not suppress a forced laugh.
brutal
Brutal and gewaltsam can both describe an event involving physical violence. Gewaltsam primarily says that physical force was used. Brutal additionally characterizes this violence as extreme and ruthless, so not every gewaltsam act is necessarily marked as equally brutal.
Die Angreifer öffneten die verschlossene Tür gewaltsam.
The attackers forced open the locked door.
Die Angreifer schlugen den Wachmann brutal zusammen.
The attackers brutally beat up the security guard.
