compassion

noun

1. (uncountable, usually)Deep awareness of the suffering of others that people have to the point of them being motivated to relieve such states.

   “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.”

   “Other people's problems, they overwhelm my mind / They say compassion is a virtue, but I don't have the time”

   “In many ways, people today lack compassion as a way to internalize and experience the inner soul of the other person, animals, and the universe. We need to reintroduce compassion so humanity may survive.”

   “Ethics of compassion are grounded in one's mindful commitment to one's own happiness with the recognition that the well being that one wishes for oneself also is wished for by others.”

   “From Master's words, I understand that having compassion does not mean allowing people to take advantage of us. We can be kind but we should uphold moral values.”

2. (broadly, uncountable, usually)Deep awareness of the individual experiences of suffering of others or themselves that people have to the point of them being motivated to relieve such experiences, as reflected by the psychological term self-compassion.

   “Similarly to the practice of loving kindness, meditation on compassion towards our own experience builds the foundation for expansion of the circle of compassion towards others.”

   “True leadership lies in compassion, not in coercion.”

verb

1. (obsolete)To pity.

   “O heavens, can you hear a good man groan / And not relent, or not compassion him?”

   “Both wanted in early life the one thing essential to every individual, of whatever nature or degree of intellect, a kind, compassioning adviser; - a true friend;[…].”

   “The widow's tears flowed wildly. / But Oh! a harbinger of life approached — / God, manifest in flesh — compassioned her, / And bade her weep no more.”