Cruelty

Pronunciation: /ˈkruːltiː/

Cruelty (noun)

  1. The act of hurting someone on purpose, especially when you do not care about their pain.
  2. Treating animals in a cruel way, such as causing suffering or neglecting their needs.
  3. A pattern of very harsh treatment, often in war or punishment, that causes great suffering.

Examples

  • He showed cruelty by hurting others on purpose.
  • Cruelty can break trust between people quickly.