Quick definitions from WordNet (cruel)
▸ adjective: lacking or showing kindness or compassion or mercy
▸ adjective: (of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain ("Cruel weapons of war")
▸ adjective: used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering ("Northern winters can be cruel")
▸ adjective: (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering ("Cruel tortures")
▸ name: A surname (very rare: popularity rank in the U.S.: #86398)
▸ Also see cruel
▸ adjective: lacking or showing kindness or compassion or mercy
▸ adjective: (of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain ("Cruel weapons of war")
▸ adjective: used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering ("Northern winters can be cruel")
▸ adjective: (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering ("Cruel tortures")
▸ name: A surname (very rare: popularity rank in the U.S.: #86398)
▸ Also see cruel