mercy

 
Pronunciation: /ˈməːsi/

noun (plural mercies)

[mass noun]
  • compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm: the boy was screaming and begging for mercy [count noun]: the mercies of God
  • [count noun] an event to be grateful for, because it prevents something unpleasant or provides relief from suffering: his death was in a way a mercy
  • [as modifier] (especially of a journey or mission) performed out of a desire to relieve suffering: mercy missions to refugees caught up in the fighting

exclamation

archaic
  • used in expressions of surprise or fear: ‘Mercy me!’ uttered Mrs Diggory

Phrases

at the mercy of

completely in the power of: consumers were at the mercy of every rogue in the marketplace

be thankful (or grateful) for small mercies

be relieved that an unpleasant situation is alleviated by minor advantages: none of the men gave her a second glance, and she wondered wryly whether to be thankful for small mercies

have mercy on (or upon)

show compassion or forgiveness to: may the Lord have mercy on her soul have mercy on the player and give him plenty of rests

leave someone/thing to the mercy of

leave someone or something exposed to probable danger or harm: the forest is left to the mercy of the loggers

throw oneself on someone's mercy

intentionally place oneself in a situation in which one must rely on someone else to be compassionate or lenient towards one: she was tempted to go back and throw herself on the mercy of the landlady on this occasion we’ll have to throw ourselves on the mercy of the court

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French merci 'pity' or 'thanks', from Latin merces, merced- 'reward', in Christian Latin 'pity, favour, heavenly reward'