cruelty

cru-el-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The quality of being cruel; behavior that causes pain or suffering to others.

  2. 2.

    A cruel act or instance of cruel treatment.

Forms

plural: cruelties

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    cruelty-free — products not tested on animals
  • •
    wanton cruelty — deliberate and senseless cruelty
  • •
    mental cruelty — psychological abuse

Related words

Antonyms: compassion, kindness, mercy
See also: abuse, brutality, cruel, inhumanity
Synonyms: brutality, inhumanity, mercilessness, savagery

Etymology

From Latin crudelitas meaning "harshness, cruelty," from crudelis meaning "rude, unfeeling." Entered English via Old French crualte.