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Definition of cruelty

cruelty

/ˈkruː.əl.ti/
cru · el · ty
Adverb:cruelly
•
Plural:cruelties
•
Adjective:cruel
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cruelty Lexical Profile

cruelty Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Callous indifference to or pleasure in causing pain and suffering to others.

Example

"The organization works tirelessly to prevent cruelty toward domestic and wild animals."

2

Behavior or an action that deliberately causes physical or mental harm to another.

Example

"The historical novel depicts the everyday cruelties endured by the townspeople during the famine."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for cruelty

• Nearby Words

cruel
cruelly
cruelness
cruelty
cruet
cruise
cruiser

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 13th century from Old French 'crualte', which came from Latin 'crudelitas' (harshness, severity), derived from 'crudus' meaning 'raw, bloody, or rough'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cruelty. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cruelty
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