cruelty

[kroo-uhl-tee]

noun

plural

cruelties 

1. the state or quality of being cruel.

   Synonyms: atrocity, inhumanity, barbarity, ruthlessness, brutality, harshness

2. cruel disposition or conduct.

   Antonyms: kindness

3. a cruel act.

   Antonyms: kindness

4. Law.,  conduct by a spouse that causes grievous bodily harm or mental suffering.

cruelty

/ ˈkruːəltɪ /

noun

1. deliberate infliction of pain or suffering

2. the quality or characteristic of being cruel

3. a cruel action

4. law conduct that causes danger to life or limb or a threat to bodily or mental health, on proof of which a decree of divorce may be granted

Other Word Forms

• anticruelty adjective
• self-cruelty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cruelty¹

1175–1225; Middle English cruelte < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin crūdēlitāt- (stem of crūdēlitās ). See cruel, -ity

Example Sentences

Kay wants to punish Michael for his treatment of her, for his casual cruelty, for his slavish devotion to a monstrous profession.

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But that same year, Marineland was found guilty, under Ontario's animal cruelty laws, of abusing and neglecting three young black bears who were kept in small enclosures with inadequate access to water for months.

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"That was the moment I started doubting: 'If these people represent Islam, why is there so much cruelty?'"

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But for all the calculated cruelty and blind ignorance, there is a humorous angle to the conditions on Parris Island: The intimate living conditions, the constant showering, the “blouses,” the “mounting.”

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Families of residents accused Castlehill's owners of "cruelty" and "neglect" after a BBC Disclosure investigation revealed a series of care failures.

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Related Words

• barbarism 
• barbarity 
• inhumanity 
• malice 
• persecution 
• savagery 
• torture