compassion

Etymology

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

noun

1. Deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.
   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. 1849, Robert Leighton (Archbishop of Glasgow), A practical commentary upon the first Epistle of St. Peter (page 47)
   Other people's problems, they overwhelm my mind / They say compassion is a virtue, but I don't have the time 1977, David Byrne (lyrics and music), “No Compassion”, in Talking Heads: 77, performed by Talking Heads
   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. 2002, Werner J. Krieglstein, Compassion: A New Philosophy of the Other, page 149
   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. 2008, Richard Reilly, Ethics of Compassion: Bridging Ethical Theory and Religious Moral Discourse, page 1
   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. 28 January 2020, “My Understanding Of What It Means to Be Compassionate”, in Minghui

verb

1. (obsolete) To pity.
   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;[…]. 1830, “The Last of the Supernaturalists”, in James Fraser, editor, Fraser's Magazine, volume 1, page 226
   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. 1836, William A. Brewer, The Widow's Son, in Recreations of a Merchant; Or, The Christian Sketch-book, page 27