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Meaning of cruel
The primary meaning of the word "cruel" is having or showing no pity or compassion for others.
Etymology of cruel
The word "cruel" originates from the Old French word "cruel", which is derived from the Latin word "crudelis", meaning "cruel" or "hard-hearted"
The Latin word "crudelis" is also related to the word "crudus", meaning "raw" or "unfeeling"
The word "cruel" has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe actions or behavior that are intentionally hurtful or unkind
Synonyms
brutal
harsh
savage
inhumane
merciless
ruthless
heartless
callous
vicious
wicked
evil
malevolent
malignant
nasty
spiteful
vindictive
unforgiving
pitiless
relentless
ferocious
barbaric
inhuman
unkind
unsympathetic
unfeeling
cold-blooded
merciless
brutish
fiendish
diabolical
monstrous
atrocious
heinous
abhorrent
detestable
odious
hateful
loathsome
execrable
vile
reprehensible
depraved
Definitions
- Having or showing no pity or compassion for others
- * Wilfully causing pain or suffering to others
- * Taking pleasure in others' pain or suffering
Usage Examples
- The cruel treatment of animals in the laboratory was widely condemned
- * The dictator's cruel regime was marked by human rights abuses and brutal suppression of dissent
- * The cruel twist of fate left the family without a home or livelihood