n.
Pronunciation: ' krü(- ə )l-t ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English cruelte, from Anglo-French cruelté, from Latin crudelitat-, crudelitas, from crudelis
Date: 13th century
1 : the quality or state of being cruel
2 a : a cruel action b : inhuman treatment
3 : marital conduct held (as in a divorce action) to endanger life or health or to cause mental suffering or fear