cruel intent

[ˈkruːəl ɪnˈtent]
noun phrase
intenção cruel
1. a deliberate purpose or plan to cause harm, suffering, or pain to another person with full knowledge and willingness
The judge determined that the assault was committed with cruel intent.
O juiz determinou que a agressão foi cometida com intenção cruel.
2. malicious or sadistic motivation behind an action designed to inflict maximum suffering
The criminal's cruel intent was evident in the nature of the crime.
A intenção cruel do criminoso era evidente pela natureza do crime.
This term is predominantly used in legal and formal contexts in both English-speaking countries and Brazil. In legal proceedings, establishing 'cruel intent' is crucial for determining culpability and sentencing severity. The concept reflects shared values between American and Brazilian legal systems regarding the moral dimension of criminal acts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
malicious intentsadistic purposeharmful intentwillful crueltydeliberate malice
Antonyms / Antônimos
benevolent intentkind intentioncompassionate purposegoodwill

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
intenção cruel
standard legal and formal usage
Portugal
intenção cruel
same as Brazilian, used in legal contexts
General Brazilian Portuguese (informal)
má intenção
more casual alternative

Related Words

malice aforethoughtpremeditationsadismwillful harmmens rea

Related Idioms & Phrases

with malice aforethought
cold-blooded cruelty
calculated cruelty
sadistic enjoyment
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