cruelty

noun

cru·​el·​ty ˈkrü(-ə)l-tē 

plural cruelties

1

: the quality or state of being cruel

2

a

: a cruel action

b

: inhuman treatment

3

: marital conduct held (as in a divorce action) to endanger life or health or to cause mental suffering or fear

Synonyms

• atrociousness
• atrocity
• barbarity
• barbarousness
• brutality
• cruelness
• fiendishness
• heartlessness
• inhumanity
• inhumanness
• sadism
• savageness
• savagery
• truculence
• viciousness
• wantonness

Examples of cruelty in a Sentence

a dictator known for his cruelty

The cruelty of children can be surprising.

They protested against cruelty to animals.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ordinary Syrians like Hamed and Walaa are aghast as the scale of their criminal cruelty continues to be revealed. —Scott Peterson, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Jan. 2025

For decades, the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, also known as the Florida School for Boys, was a place of cruelty and neglect disguised as rehabilitation. —Ray Watford, Sun Sentinel, 28 Jan. 2025

Murthy has been arrested on charges of murder; cruelty to a married woman by husband or in-law; and tampering with evidence, according to the police statement. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025

Viewers accused the show of cruelty in making Tran relive her heartbreak on live television. —Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cruelte, from Anglo-French cruelté, from Latin crudelitat-, crudelitas, from crudelis

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cruelty

• anti-cruelty
• cruelty-free

Kids Definition

cruelty

noun

cru·​el·​ty ˈkrü-əl-tē 

plural cruelties

1

: the quality or state of being cruel

2

: cruel treatment

Legal Definition

cruelty

noun

cru·​el·​ty

plural cruelties

1

a

: an intentional or criminally negligent act that causes pain and suffering

cruelty to animals

cruelty to children

b

: mistreatment or neglect that causes pain and suffering compare abuse

Note: Cruelty is an aggravating circumstance to a crime (as murder).

2

: a spouse's conduct that endangers life or health or causes mental suffering or fear

called also cruel and inhuman treatment

Note: Cruelty is a ground for divorce.