cruelty

Definitions

Callous indifference to or pleasure in the suffering of others.

A cruel act or instance of harsh, inhumane treatment.

Examples

The cruelty of the harsh winter left many animals struggling to survive.

He was deeply moved by the cruelty he witnessed in the war-torn region.

There is no excuse for the cruelty shown toward innocent creatures.

Synonyms

brutality savagery inhumanity malice ruthlessness viciousness barbarity

Antonyms

kindness compassion mercy benevolence gentleness humanity tenderness