D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Cruelty

/(-ty̆)/ · Cru·el·ty · IPA /ˈkɹuː(ə)lti/
01 n. The attribute or quality of being cruel; a disposition to give unnecessary pain or suffering to others; inhumanity; barbarity.
pl. Cruelties ((-tĭz))
  1. 1.
    The attribute or quality of being cruel; a disposition to give unnecessary pain or suffering to others; inhumanity; barbarity.
    “Pierced through the heart with your stern cruelty.” Shak.
  2. 2.
    A cruel and barbarous deed; inhuman treatment; the act of willfully causing unnecessary pain.
    Cruelties worthy of the dungeons of the Inquisition.” Macaulay.