Pronunciation
/ˈmɜːrsi/
Definitions
- Noun: Compassion, kindness, or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. For example: “The king granted mercy to the rebels and spared their lives.”
- Verb (used in archaic or religious contexts): To have mercy on; to forgive or spare. Example: “May God have mercy upon your soul.”
Phrases
- “To show mercy” means to be lenient or compassionate towards someone who deserves punishment or harm.
- “Mercy killing” refers to the act of painlessly ending someone’s life, usually to relieve suffering from an incurable illness or injury.
- “Mercy rule” is a sports term where a game ends early if one team has an insurmountable lead, sparing the losing team further humiliation.
- “At someone’s mercy” implies being vulnerable to another person’s whim or decision, often with negative connotations. Example: “After their ship sank, they were at the mercy of the ocean currents.”
Example Sentences
- Noun: “The judge granted mercy to the defendant and reduced his sentence.”
- Verb: “In ancient times, the ruler would mercifully pardon prisoners on certain holidays.”