I. kəmˈpashən, -aash-, -aish- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English compassioun, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French compassion, from Late Latin compassion-, compassio, from compassus (past participle of compati to have compassion, from Latin com- + pati to bear, suffer) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at patient
: deep feeling for and understanding of misery or suffering and the concomitant desire to promote its alleviation : spiritual consciousness of the personal tragedy of another or others and selfless tenderness directed toward it
to have compassion on a person
with compassion (so different from pity) she shows the sordid impact of this convict settlement on the lives of the natives — Sarah Campion
Synonyms: see sympathy
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
archaic : compassionate