Cruel vs. Motiveless — What's the Difference?

Disposed to inflict pain or suffering

Without a motive.

Causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or distress

Destitute of a motive; not incited by a motive.

Intentionally causing or reveling in pain and suffering; merciless, heartless.

Occurring without motivation or provocation;

Harsh; severe.

(slang) Cool; awesome; neat.

(nonstandard) To a great degree; terribly.

To spoil or ruin (one's chance of success)

To violently provoke (a child) in the belief that this will make them more assertive.

See Crewel.

Disposed to give pain to others; willing or pleased to hurt, torment, or afflict; destitute of sympathetic kindness and pity; savage; inhuman; hard-hearted; merciless.

Causing, or fitted to cause, pain, grief, or misery.

Attended with cruetly; painful; harsh.

Lacking or showing kindness or compassion or mercy

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering;

(of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain;

Used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering;