Main Entry:

cru·el

Pronunciation:

\ˈkrü(-ə)l\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

cru·el·er or cru·el·ler; cru·el·est or cru·el·lest

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin crudelis, from crudus

Date:

14th century

1: disposed to inflict pain or suffering : devoid of humane feelings <a cruel tyrant>2 a: causing or conducive to injury, grief, or pain <a cruel joke> b: unrelieved by leniency <cruel punishment>

synonyms see fierce

— cru·el·ly \ˈkrü-(ə-)lē\ adverb

— cru·el·ness noun