cru·el·ty 
/ˈkru:lti/ noun
plural cru·el·ties /ˈkru:lti/ noun 1 [noncount] : a desire to cause others to suffer : the quality or state of being cruel
▪ a dictator/tyrant known for his cruelty ▪ The cruelty of children can be surprising. 2 a [noncount] : actions that cause suffering
▪ They protested against cruelty to animals. ▪ physical and emotional cruelty
b [count] : an act or occurrence that causes suffering — usually plural ▪ The prisoners endured awful cruelties. ▪ the cruelties of life/nature/war
▪ a dictator/tyrant known for his cruelty ▪ The cruelty of children can be surprising.
▪ They protested against cruelty to animals. ▪ physical and emotional cruelty
b [count] : an act or occurrence that causes suffering — usually plural ▪ The prisoners endured awful cruelties. ▪ the cruelties of life/nature/war
