noun
cruelty
KROOL-tee
noun
1
The quality of deliberately causing pain or suffering, without pity.
"The documentary exposed shocking cruelty toward the animals."
2
A cruel act.
"The soldiers committed countless cruelties during the occupation."
How to Use Cruelty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeliberate harshness or mistreatment, or a specific cruel act.
Common pairings
animal cruelty
acts of cruelty
Word Forms
cruelties plural
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The documentary exposed shocking _____ toward the animals.
Etymology
From Old French crualté, from Latin crudelitas, related to "cruel."