cruelty-free
|cru-el-ty-free|
/ˈkruːəltiˌfriː/
without animal testing
Etymology
'cruelty-free' originates from Modern English, specifically the combination of 'cruelty' + 'free' (literally 'without cruelty').
'Cruelty' derives from Old French (e.g. 'crualté'/'cruelte') and ultimately from Latin 'crudelitās' or the adjective 'crudelis' meaning 'cruel'. 'Free' comes from Old English 'frēo' meaning 'free, exempt'. The compound 'cruelty-free' emerged in English in the 20th century alongside animal welfare and consumer-labeling movements.
Originally 'cruelty' referred to cruel behaviour and 'free' meant 'without'; over time the compound has come to be used specifically to describe products or practices 'not tested on or harmful to animals.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
products or items that are cruelty-free; the state or quality of being free from animal testing.
She prefers buying cruelty-free whenever possible.
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Adjective 1
not tested on animals; produced or made without causing harm to animals (especially referring to cosmetics, toiletries, and other consumer products).
She only buys cruelty-free makeup.
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Last updated: 2025/08/20 21:15