Main Entry: com·pas·sion

Pronunciation: \kəm-ˈpa-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin compassion-, compassio, from compati to sympathize, from Latin com- + pati to bear, suffer — more at patient

Date: 14th century

: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it

synonyms see pity

— com·pas·sion·less \-ləs\ adjective