n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the state of being simultaneously affected with the same feeling as another. b the capacity for this. 2 (often foll. by with) a the act of sharing or tendency to share (with a person etc.) in an emotion or sensation or condition of another person or thing. b (in sing. or pl.) compassion or commiseration; condolences. 3 (often foll. by for) a favourable attitude; approval. 4 (in sing. or pl.; often foll. by with) agreement (with a person etc.) in opinion or desire. 5 (attrib.) in support of another cause (sympathy strike). in sympathy (often foll. by with) 1 having or showing or resulting from sympathy (with another). 2 by way of sympathetic action (working to rule in sympathy).
[ L sympathia f. Gk sumpatheia (as SYN-, pathes f. pathos feeling) ]