cruelty

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering
  2. noun feelings of extreme heartlessness
  3. noun the quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance

Etymology

From Middle English cruelte, from Old French crualté (French cruauté), from Latin crudelitas. By surface analysis, cruel + -ty.

In classic literature

Synonyms

inhuman treatment

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