mercy

(noun) leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice. Synonyms: clemency, mercifulness. Example: "He threw himself on the mercy of the court."

(noun) a disposition to be kind and forgiving. Synonyms: mercifulness. Example: "In those days a wife had to depend on the mercifulness of her husband."

(noun) the feeling that motivates compassion. Synonyms: mercifulness.

(noun) something for which to be thankful. Example: "It was a mercy we got out alive."

(noun) alleviation of distress; showing great kindness toward the distressed. Example: "Distributing food and clothing to the flood victims was an act of mercy."