Cruelty (Noun)

Meaning ¹

A cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering.

Classification

Nouns denoting acts or actions.

Examples

• The animal shelter staff were horrified by the cruelty inflicted on the abandoned puppy, which had been left to starve and suffer in the cold.
• The dictator's regime was marked by unspeakable cruelty, with thousands of innocent civilians subjected to torture and brutal suppression.
• The video footage of the elephant being beaten by its trainer sparked widespread outrage and condemnation of the cruelty displayed.
• The court heard testimony of the cruelty inflicted on the children by their abusive parents, who had subjected them to years of physical and emotional torment.
• The whistleblower's revelations exposed a culture of cruelty within the corporation, where employees were bullied and intimidated into meeting impossible targets.

Synonyms

• Inhuman Treatment

Hypernyms

• Ill-treatment
• Ill-usage
• Abuse

Hyponyms

• Inhumanity

Meaning ²

Feelings of extreme heartlessness.

Classification

Nouns denoting feelings and emotions.

Examples

• The dictator's regime was marked by shocking cruelty to its own citizens, leaving many to wonder how one person could be capable of such evil.
• She couldn't fathom the cruelty of the school bully and how they seemed to take pleasure in making others suffer.
• The documentary exposed the heart-wrenching cruelty of puppy mills and sparked outrage among animal lovers worldwide.
• The cruelty of the prison conditions was a stark contrast to the promises of rehabilitation that the government had made.
• The serial killer's lack of remorse for their crimes was a testament to their breathtaking cruelty and complete disregard for human life.

Synonyms

• Pitilessness
• Mercilessness
• Ruthlessness

Hypernyms

• Coldheartedness
• Hardheartedness

Meaning ³

The quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance.

Classification

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.

Examples

• The teacher's constant criticism was an example of cruelty that made the student anxious and stressed.
• The boss's abrupt manner and harsh words were seen as cruelty by the employees, causing a tense work environment.
• The cruelty of the situation was evident in the way the company handled the layoffs, with no regard for the employees' well-being.
• The cruelty of the teasing was starting to get on her nerves and making her feel uncomfortable around her classmates.
• The cruelty of the situation was undeniable as the animal was left to suffer without food or water for days, causing outrage among animal lovers.

Synonyms

• Cruelness
• Harshness

Hypernyms

• Malice
• Malevolency

Hyponyms

• Brutality
• Savagery
• Viciousness