First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
mercy
noun mer·cy \ˈmər-sē\
: kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly
: kindness or help given to people who are in a very bad or desperate situation
: a good or lucky fact or situation
plural mercies
Full Definition of MERCY
1
a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment <begged for mercy> b : imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder
2
a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion b : a fortunate circumstance <it was a mercy they found her before she froze>
3
: compassionate treatment of those in distress <works of mercy among the poor>
— mercy adjective
— at the mercy of
: wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against
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Origin of MERCY
Middle English, from Anglo-French merci, from Medieval Latin merced-, merces, from Latin, price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise
Related to MERCY
- Synonyms
- charity, clemency, forbearance, lenience, leniency, lenity, mercifulness, quarter
Synonym Discussion of MERCY
mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it <threw himself on the mercy of the court>. charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others <show a little charity for the less fortunate>. clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing <the judge refused to show clemency>. grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions <by the grace of God>. leniency implies lack of severity in punishing <criticized the courts for excessive leniency>.
Rhymes with MERCY
AT THE MERCY OF Defined for Kids
mercy
noun mer·cy \ˈmər-sē\
plural mer·cies
Definition of MERCY for Kids
1
: kind and forgiving treatment of someone (as a wrongdoer or an opponent) <The prisoners were shown mercy.>
2
: kindness or help given to an unfortunate person <an act of mercy>
3
: a kind sympathetic disposition : willingness to forgive, spare, or help <“There is not a scrap of pity or mercy in your heart …” — Brian Jacques, Redwall>
4
: a blessing as an act of divine love <the mercies of God>
5
: a fortunate happening <It's a mercy that we arrived in time.>
— at the mercy of
: completely without protection from <We're at the mercy of the weather.>
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