Main Entry: cru·el·ty

Pronunciation: \ˈkrü(-ə)l-tē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural cru·el·ties

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

Date: 13th century

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