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View synonyms for

cruelty

[kroo-uhl-tee]

noun

plural

cruelties 
  1. the state or quality of being cruel.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,
  2. cruel disposition or conduct.

    Antonyms:
  3. a cruel act.

    Antonyms:
  4. Law.conduct by a spouse that causes grievous bodily harm or mental suffering.



cruelty

/ ˈːəɪ /

noun

  1. deliberate infliction of pain or suffering

  2. the quality or characteristic of being cruel

  3. a cruel action

  4. law conduct that causes danger to life or limb or a threat to bodily or mental health, on proof of which a decree of divorce may be granted

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • anticruelty adjective
  • self-cruelty noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cruelty1

1175–1225; Middle English cruelte < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin ūŧ- (stem of ūŧ ). See cruel, -ity
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"There isn't any justification for the cruelty experienced by these animals on fur farms," she said.

From

The agency identified a handful of people with criminal histories, including drug trafficking, assault, cruelty to children, domestic violence, robbery and alien smuggling.

From

“Keep protesting because Donald Trump would love for everybody to sit back quietly while he continues to overreach, to bring cruelty to every corner of America and violate the law,” he said.

From

Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, both of Garden City, Flintshire, deny murder, causing or allowing the death of a child and child cruelty.

From

Their followers enjoy the fantasy of being able to treat people with shameless cruelty, without fear of reprisal.

From

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cruel to be kindcruelty-free