| 释义 |
cru·el·ty
\pronunc at cruel+tē or ti\ noun
(-es)
Etymology: Middle English cruelte, from Old French cruelté, from Latin crudelitat-, crudelitas, from crudelis cruel + -itat, -itas -ity — more at cruel
1. : the quality or state of being cruel : disposition to inflict pain or suffering or to enjoy its being inflicted : inhumanity
2. : a cruel action : inhuman treatment
< the cruelty cruelties of racial discrimination >
3. obsolete
a. : severity of pain
b. : harshness of discipline
4. : conduct of either party in a divorce action that endangers the life or health of the other; also : acts that cause mental suffering or fear |