cruelty etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: cruelté
  • Latin: crudelitas
  • Proto-Indo-European: ghredh-, meaning "to cut, tear"

Meaning:

Cruelty is the intentional infliction of pain, suffering, or distress on another individual or animal. It is characterized by a deliberate and malicious intent to harm.

Origin:

The word "cruelty" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root ghredh-, which means "to cut, tear." This root is also the origin of the words "grind" and "gore."

In ancient times, cruelty was often associated with physical violence and bloodshed. The Latin word crudelitas was originally used to describe the savagery of wild animals. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include all forms of malicious or intentional harm, whether physical or emotional.

By the Middle Ages, cruelty was considered one of the seven deadly sins. It was condemned by both religious and secular authorities as a grave violation of human ethics. In the modern era, the concept of cruelty has continued to evolve, with a growing emphasis on the psychological and emotional aspects of harm.

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