cruelty

[ˈkruːəlti]

cruelty Definition

behavior that causes pain or suffering to humans or animals, especially deliberately.

Using cruelty: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cruelty" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The cruelty of the dictator's regime was well-known.

• Example

  Animal cruelty is a serious crime.

• Example

  She couldn't bear the cruelty of the bullfight.

• Example

cruelty Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cruelty

• brutality
• barbarity
• inhumanity
• viciousness
• sadism

Antonyms for cruelty

• kindness
• compassion

Phrases with cruelty

• cruel and unusual punishment

  punishment that is considered unacceptable due to its severity or inhumane nature

  Example

  The death penalty is often considered cruel and unusual punishment.

• cruel to be kind

  to be harsh or unkind to someone in order to help them in the long run

  Example

  Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind and tell someone the truth.

• cruel twist of fate

  an unexpected and unfortunate event that seems particularly harsh or unfair

  Example

  It was a cruel twist of fate that he died just before he was due to retire.

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Summary: cruelty in Brief

The term 'cruelty' [ˈkruːəlti] refers to behavior that causes pain or suffering to humans or animals, especially deliberately. It is often associated with dictators, animal abuse, and bullfighting. Phrases like 'cruel and unusual punishment' and 'cruel twist of fate' highlight the severity and unexpectedness of cruel acts. 'Cruel to be kind' suggests that sometimes being harsh can help someone in the long run.