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

To hold adults forever responsible for their words — not actions — as teenagers is an exercise in cruelty. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Miriam De La Rosa, 42, is facing three counts of animal cruelty with intent to kill or injure, court records show. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026

What readers are saying The comments express strong opposition to capital punishment, particularly highlighting the botched execution of Christa Pike as an example of its cruelty and ineffectiveness. — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Tip Toe’s acknowledgement of both Leo’s humanity and Clive’s works not to excuse the cruelty that will claim Leo in the end, but to reaffirm it as a choice. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

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.