extreme cruelty

noun

ex·​treme cruelty
: behavior toward a spouse that involves physical violence or threats thereof, acts calculated to destroy the peace of mind or health of the spouse, or acts destructive of the purpose of the marriage
also : a ground for divorce based on a spouse's extreme cruelty

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Cite this Entry

“Extreme cruelty.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/extreme%20cruelty. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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