mercy

mer-cy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

  2. 2.

    An event or circumstance to be grateful for, especially when it prevents something unpleasant.

  3. 3.

    (Religious) The compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially as a quality of God.

Forms

plural: mercies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    at the mercy of — completely in the power of; defenseless against
  • •
    have mercy on — to treat with compassion
  • •
    mercy killing — euthanasia
  • •
    throw oneself on someone's mercy — to surrender and ask for compassionate treatment

Related words

Antonyms: cruelty, harshness, ruthlessness, severity
See also: clemency, compassion, forgiveness, merciful
Synonyms: clemency, compassion, forgiveness, leniency, pity

Etymology

From Old French merci ("grace, pity, favor"), from Latin merces (genitive mercedis) meaning "wages, pay, reward," later developing the sense of "favor, pity" in Vulgar Latin.