adj.
Pronunciation: ' krü(- ə )l
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: cru · el · er or cru · el · ler ; cru · el · est or cru · el · lest
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin crudelis, from crudus
Date: 14th century
1 : disposed to inflict pain or suffering : devoid of humane feelings <a cruel tyrant>
2 a : causing or conducive to injury, grief, or pain <a cruel joke> b : unrelieved by leniency < cruel punishment>
synonyms see FIERCE
– cru · el · ly \ ' krü-( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– cru · el · ness noun