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 of cruelty

• 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

In keeping with the Cinderella story, Fanny learns to withstand her active Aunt Norris’s cruelty. —Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026

There is no shouting, no obvious cruelty; just a steady erosion of trust. —Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026

Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning thriller possesses a withering critique of the cruelty and corruption of an authoritarian regime, combined with a blistering sense of humor. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026

Human beings, not numbers destroyed by policies of fear and cruelty. —Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026

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.