mercy

Definition

Relenting; forbearance to cause or allow harm to another.

Etymology

From Middle English mercy, merci, from Anglo-Norman merci (compare continental Old French merci, mercit), from Latin mercēs (“wages, fee, price”), from merx (“wares, merchandise”). Displaced native Old English mildheortnes (literally "mildheartedness"). Cognate with French merci, whence the doublet merci.

Example Sentences

• "She took mercy on him and quit embarrassing him."
• "Have mercy on the poor and assist them if you can."
• "He despaired of God's mercy in the same fact, where this presumed of it; he by a decollation of all hope annihilated his mercy, this by an immoderancy thereof destroyed his justice"