Brute Force

Brute force may refer to any of several problem-solving methods involving the evaluation of multiple (or every) possible answer(s) for fitness. The term has also been used as a stage name, book title, etc.

In mathematics:

  • A problem solving technique where a series of possible answers are worked out and each possibility is tested for accuracy. This technique is particularly useful on multiple choice problems.
  • A problem solving technique using workaround methods such as scale diagrams instead of conventional algebra.
  • Proof by exhaustion or brute force method, a method of mathematical proof

Non-mathematical problem-solving methods:

  • Brute-force search, a trivial computer problem-solving technique
  • Brute-force attack, a method of defeating a cryptographic scheme by trying a large number of possibilities


Media and entertainment:

  • Brute Force (musician), the stage name of Stephen Friedland
  • Brute Force (book), a controversial work by historian John Ellis
  • Brute Force (1914 film), starring Harry Carey
  • Brute Force (1947 film), starring Burt Lancaster
  • Brute Force (video game), a video game
  • Brute Force (comics), Simon Furman’s comic about super-intelligent cyborg animals saving the environment

Famous quotes related to brute force:

    “Brute force crushes many plants. Yet the plants rise again. The Pyramids will not last a moment compared with the daisy. And before Buddha or Jesus spoke the nightingale sang, and long after the words of Jesus and Buddha are gone into oblivion the nightingale still will sing. Because it is neither preaching nor commanding nor urging. It is just singing. And in the beginning was not a Word, but a chirrup.”
    —D.H. (David Herbert)

    “A chaplain is the minister of the Prince of Peace serving the host of the God of War—Mars. As such, he is as incongruous as a musket would be on the altar at Christmas. Why, then, is he there? Because he indirectly subserves the purpose attested by the cannon; because too he lends the sanction of the religion of the meek to that which practically is the abrogation of everything but brute Force.”
    —Herman Melville (1819–1891)