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