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

This law will help shut down deceptive puppy sales and expose the cruelty that still exists in far too many places. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

Trained from birth for this role, Thragg rules his people through strength, cruelty, and will – determined to restore Viltrum to its previous glory at any cost. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025

Sooner or later, this unchecked cruelty will be felt by us all. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025

Gibson was charged with cruelty to animals, taken into custody, and later released on a $20,000 bond. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 7 Oct. 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.