mercy

/ˈmər-sē/

Middle English, from Anglo-French merci, from Medieval Latin merced-, merces, from Latin, price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise

noun

  1. compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment

  2. imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder

  3. a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion

mercy charity clemency grace leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it. charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

noun

  1. euthanasia

idiom

  1. in a position or situation in which one can be harmed by (someone or something one cannot control)

The army advanced, and the people were at their mercy.