cruelty
UK: ˈkruːəlti | US: ˈkruːəlti
n. behavior or actions that cause suffering or pain to others
n. a cruel or harsh quality or nature
n. (law) a legal term for severe or inhumane treatment
The word "cruelty" originates from the Old French "crualté," derived from Latin "crudelitas," meaning "harshness" or "severity." The root "cruel" traces back to Latin "crudelis," combining "crudus" (raw, bloody) with the suffix "-elis," emphasizing a brutal or unfeeling nature. The suffix "-ty" (from Latin "-tas") transforms the adjective into a noun, denoting the state or quality of being cruel. Over time, "cruelty" evolved to encompass both physical and emotional harshness, reflecting its deep-rooted association with suffering.
The cruelty of the dictator shocked the international community.
Animal cruelty is a serious crime in many countries.
Her words were filled with unexpected cruelty.
The novel explores the cruelty of war through vivid descriptions.
Laws against child cruelty have become stricter in recent years.