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REFERENCE

cruelty

n.
US //ˈkɹuəɫti// UK //kɹˈuːəlti// cru·el·ty
  1. 1 the quality of being cruel (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of being very unkind or enjoying the pain of others.

    the abstract quality of indifference to suffering or the active pleasure in inflicting it. Uncountable in this sense.

    Example

    The film showed the cruelty of the soldiers during the war.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that systemic cruelty often stems from a lack of empathy rather than a desire for destruction.
  2. 2 a cruel act (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a specific action that causes pain or suffering to someone or something.

    a specific act or instance of cruel behaviour. Countable in this sense.

    Example

    Leaving a dog outside in the freezing cold is a terrible cruelty.

    Example

    The historian documented the various cruelties inflicted upon the local population by the occupying forces.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural to describe a series of bad actions.
Origin

From Middle English cruelte, from Old French crualté (French cruauté), from Latin crudelitas. By surface analysis, cruel + -ty.

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