CRUEL • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Cruel

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/krˈuəl/ /krul/ Listen

adjective

Cruel adj. (compar. crueller or crueler; superl. cruellest or cruelest)

Disposed to give pain to others; willing or pleased to hurt, torment, or afflict; destitute of sympathetic kindness and pity; savage; inhuman; hard-hearted; merciless. "Behold a people cometh from the north country;... they are cruel and have no mercy."

Causing, or fitted to cause, pain, grief, or misery. "Cruel wars, wasting the earth." "Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath for it was cruel."

Attended with cruetly; painful; harsh. "You have seen cruel proof of this man's strength."

noun

Cruel n. See Crewel.

See images of 'Cruel'

Etymology of 'Cruel'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Cruel" Quotes from Famous Books

... my question I looked quickly from one to the other of the four women seated with me under the roof of the Poplars and tried to search out what was in their hearts. I knew them and their lives with the cruel completeness it is given to friends to know each other in small towns like Goodloets and I could probe with a certain touch. And as they all sat silent with me, each one driven to self-question by my demand, I threw the flash of a ...

— The Heart's Kingdom • Maria Thompson Daviess

... I see the wave that soon above my hopes, My fears, my sorrows, and my broken heart, Will roll in cruel triumph. I'm content. A long and troubled record I shall leave Of struggles in the dark 'gainst many foes. I begged for light to see my duty clear To see the purpose of my suffering To see the end ...

— The Menorah Journal, Volume 1, 1915 • Various

... studious delicacy and respect due to a refined and accomplished woman in the full possession of her faculties. If she were really mad, this demeanor would not hurt her, and if she were not mad it was the only proper conduct to be observed toward her, as any other must be equally cruel and offensive. Her bodily health certainly required the attendance of a physician, and Traverse had therefore a fair excuse for his ...

— Capitola the Madcap • Emma D. E. N. Southworth

... would be cruel to take from her her only recreation. And she says she can't read any other way. You needn't listen ...

— Rudder Grange • Frank R. Stockton

... burnished brace Of plump, ruffed grouse he showed with pride, Angelic grief was in her face: "How could you do it, dear?" she sighed. "The poor, pathetic moveless wings!" The songs all hushed—"Oh, cruel shame!" Said he, "The partridge never sings," Said she, "The ...

— The Wit of Women - Fourth Edition • Kate Sanborn

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