cruelty

noun

cru·el·ty | \ˈkrü(-ə)l-tē

plural cruelties

Definition of cruelty

1 : the quality or state of being cruel

2a : 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 & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about cruelty

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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 her womanhood is a hollow, brittle performance, masking deep reserves of cruelty. — Sonia Saraiya, HWD, "Sharp Objects Is Stunning, Raw, and Violently Beautiful," 5 July 2018 Another man, who got legal status in 2014, was targeted because of a conviction this year of cruelty to a child. — Brittny Mejia, latimes.com, "It's not just criminals — ICE is nabbing lawful permanent residents too," 28 June 2018 Another man, who got legal status in 2014, was targeted because of a conviction this year of cruelty to a child. — Brittny Mejia, Hoy, "No sólo delincuentes: ICE también arresta a residentes permanentes legales," 28 June 2018 Cusk’s sternness, what some critics have even identified as a kind of cruelty, is also an expression of high expectations. — Jordan Larson, The Cut, "Rachel Cusk’s Rules for Living," 25 June 2018 Dominick Tidd, 18, will be arraigned in Winchendon District Court Monday on charges of cruelty to animals, larceny under $250, and destruction of property, police said. — BostonGlobe.com, "Groton teen charged with killing baby goat," 25 June 2018 Magdiel Marrero-Pena, 41, of Melbourne, was charged with four counts of cruelty to animals, the newspaper said. — Stephen Hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'I think this guy really has some issues,' 911 caller says about Brevard man who stomped on ducklings: report," 13 June 2018 In 2016, Brent Justice, 56, was convicted of cruelty to non-livestock animals with the use of a deadly weapon enhancement, according to county prosecutors. — John D. Harden, Houston Chronicle, "Sentence for Houston man involved in animal fetish videos reduced," 25 May 2018 Child abuse detectives investigated the case and a warrant was issued for Davis' arrest on one count of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile. — Marie Simoneaux, NOLA.com, "Man accused of 'scalding' 4-year-old boy wanted for cruelty: NOPD," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cruelty.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.