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

The story picks up with Erivo’s Elphaba having become demonized by Oz after turning against the Wizard (Goldblum) due to his lies and cruelty toward animals. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 24 Nov. 2025

Yet again, a spectacular display of deliberate cruelty and organized hatred has damaged our very sense of self and possibility, which had been sustained at least in part by a faith that societies would become less bigoted over time. —Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

This incident comes as several Australian states, including South Australia, have increased penalties for animal cruelty offenses. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025

Fierce, fearless, and unafraid to speak out against injustice, Elphaba challenges the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) himself — who, unbeknownst to either of them, is her father — for his cruelty toward animals and twisted politics. —Haley Kluge, Variety, 22 Nov. 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.