B2nouncrimeemotions
US/ˈmɜːr.si/
UK/ˈmɜː.si/
kindness shown to someone, especially by not punishing or hurting them
In context
The prisoner asked the judge for mercy because of his young children.
Small farmers are at the mercy of the weather.
The soldiers showed no mercy to the people in the village.
Words that go with mercy
noun + preposition
- at the mercy ofWithout insurance, you're at the mercy of the hospital bills.
- act of mercyReleasing the old prisoners was seen as an act of mercy.
verb + noun
- show mercyThe king refused to show mercy to his enemies.
verb + preposition
- beg for mercyThe thief begged for mercy when the crowd caught him.
adjective + noun
- no mercyThe champion showed no mercy and won six–nil.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Please have mercy for him.Correct: Please have mercy on him.