Usage Note
Cruauté describes the quality of being cruel or a cruel act (une cruauté sans nom — 'unspeakable cruelty'). The adjective cruel/cruelle is its counterpart. In the plural, des cruautés refers to specific acts of cruelty, often in historical or judicial contexts.
Examples
"Sa cruauté envers les animaux est choquante."
Natural Translation
His cruelty toward animals is shocking.
Related Words
Explore French by topic