/ ˈkruːəlti; NAmE / noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ U ] ~ (to sb/sth) behaviour that causes pain or suffering to others, especially deliberately :
cruelty to animals
The deliberate cruelty of his words cut her like a knife.
OPP kindness
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] a cruel action
3.
[ C , U ] something that happens that seems unfair :
the cruelties of life
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French crualte , based on Latin crudelitas , from crudelis , related to crudus raw, rough.