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cruelty

 - 3 dictionary results

cru⋅el⋅ty

  [kroo-uhl-tee]
–noun, plural -ties for 3.
1. the state or quality of being cruel.
2. cruel disposition or conduct.
3. a cruel act.
4. Law. conduct by a spouse that causes grievous bodily harm or mental suffering.
Use cruelty in a Sentence
Origin:
1175–1225; ME cruelte < AF, OF < L crūdēlitāt- (s. of crūdēlitās). See cruel, -ity

Synonyms:
1. harshness, brutality, ruthlessness, barbarity, inhumanity, atrocity.

Antonyms:
2, 3. kindness.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To cruelty
cru·el·ty   (krōō'əl-tē)   
n.   pl. cru·el·ties

  1. The quality or condition of being cruel.

  2. Something, such as a cruel act or remark, that causes pain or suffering.

  3. Law The infliction of physical or mental distress, especially when considered a determinant in granting a divorce.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: cru·el·ty
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -ties
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.
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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