mercy
noun
mer·cy
| \ ˈmər-sē
\
\
plural mercies
Definition of mercy
1a
: compassion or forbearance (see forbearance sense 1) shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power
also
: lenient or compassionate treatment
begged for mercy
b
: imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder
2a
: a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion
May God have mercy on us.
b
: a fortunate circumstance
it was a mercy they found her before she froze
3
: compassionate treatment of those in distress
works of mercy among the poor
at the mercy of
: wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against