Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cruelty \Cru"el*ty\ (-t[y^]), n.; pl. {Cruelties} (-t[i^]z).
   [OF. cruelt['e], F. cruaut['e], fr. L. crudelitas, fr.
   crudelis. See {Cruel}.]

Source : WordNet®

cruelty
     n 1: a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering
          [syn: {inhuman treatment}]
     2: feelings of extreme heartlessness [syn: {mercilessness}, {pitilessness},
         {ruthlessness}]
     3: the quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance
        [syn: {cruelness}, {harshness}]