mercy Definition

mercy
noun mercies

1. Kindness or forgiveness shown when punishment is possible or justified.

Thesaurus: leniency, clemency, compassion, generosity, tolerance, forbearance, pity, sympathy, grace, humanitarianism, kindness, benevolence.
2. An act or circumstance in which these qualities are displayed, especially by God.
3. A tendency to be forgiving.
4. A piece of good luck; a welcome happening.

Example: grateful for small mercies
5. Compassion for the unfortunate.

Idiom: at the mercy of someone or something

Wholly in their or its power; liable to be harmed by them or it.

Etymology: 12c: from French merci, from Latin merces reward.