As a Noun: 1. Behaviour that deliberately causes pain or distress to people or animals. English = cruelty, abuse, harshness. 2. The kind of attitude or action in which people all want the same thing and do not care if they harm each other in getting it. English = ruthlessness. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To behave in a way that deliberately causes pain or distress to people or animals. English = (be) cruel. 2. To be the kind of attitude or action in which people all want the same thing and do not care if they harm each other in getting it. English = (be) cutthroat, (be) ruthless. 3. To be cruel and violent. English = (be) vicious.