Definitions of cruel:

• adjective:   lacking or showing kindness or compassion or mercy
• adjective:   (of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain

  Example: "Cruel weapons of war"

• adjective:   used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering

  Example: "Northern winters can be cruel"

• adjective:   (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

  Example: "Cruel tortures"

• name:  A surname (very rare: popularity rank in the U.S.: #86398)