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

• brutality
• atrocity

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

The new law adds to existing municipal ordinances that forbid animal cruelty or neglect, including leaving a pet in too small of a space or outside in the hot Florida sun. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025

The record got its name from a title track that comes mid-album, a plucky, haunting Americana song that explores the ties between love and cruelty. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

In that sense, the suicide was a final act of cruelty. —Tony Cook, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Miller faces four counts of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity. —Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 2 July 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.