Compassion

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /kÉ™mˈpæʃ.É™n/
• Rhymes: -æʃən

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin compassio ("sympathy"), from compati, past participle compassus ("to suffer together with"), from Latin com- ("together") + pati ("to suffer"); see passion.

Full definition of compassion

Noun

1. Deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it
• 1849, Robert Leighton (Archbishop of Glasgow), A practical commentary upon the first Epistle of St. Peter (page 47)Oh! the unspeakable privilege to have Him for our Father, who is the Father of mercies and compassions, and those not barren, fruitless pityings, for He is withal the God of all consolations.

Synonyms

• empathy, pity, ruth, tenderheartedness, sorrow
• kindness, heart, mercy

Derived terms

• compassionate
• compassion fatigue

Related terms

• compatible

Verb

1. (obsolete) To pity.
• 1607, William Shakespeare, , IV. i. 124:O heavens, can you hear a good man groan
  And not relent, or not compassion him?