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

But there is no reliable historical evidence for the cruelty, extramarital affairs, or emotional abuse that Monster attributes to the Borden household. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026

Intentionally injuring or killing a cat is considered animal cruelty, which is punishable as a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony depending on the severity and intent of the act. — Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

The beauty of the landscape will sit alongside the cruelty unfolding among the characters. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

The accounts of her cruelty were gruesome — publicly torturing women, cutting off their fingers, murdering hundreds of them. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 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.