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n. pl. mer·cies Idiom: 1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency. 2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving: a heart full of mercy. 3. Something for which to be thankful; a blessing: It was a mercy that no one was hurt. 4. Alleviation of distress; relief: Taking in the refugees was an act of mercy. at the mercy of Without any protection against; helpless before: drifting in an open boat, at the mercy of the elements. [Middle English merci, from Old French, from Medieval Latin mercēs, mercēd-, from Latin, reward.] Synonyms: mercy, leniency, clemency, charity These nouns mean humane and kind, sympathetic, or forgiving treatment of or disposition toward others. Mercy is compassionate forbearance: "The challenge ... is how to define morally reasonable grounds on which to grant perpetrators mercy and allow them to go free" (Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela). Leniency implies mildness, gentleness, and often a tendency to reduce punishment: "Even though Grant advocated leniency toward the Confederacy's military leaders, he called for punishment of its political leaders" (Brooks D. Simpson). Clemency is mercy shown by someone with judicial authority: The judge believed in clemency for youthful offenders. Charity is goodwill and benevolence in judging others: "With malice toward none, with charity for all ... let us strive on to finish the work we are in" (Abraham Lincoln). |
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