(pl. -ies)［mass noun］
1- compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm慈悲, 怜悯; 仁慈, 宽容：
the boy was screaming and begging for mercy
男孩尖叫着乞求宽恕
count noun the mercies of God.上帝的慈悲。
1.1
- count noun an event to be grateful for, especially because its occurrence prevents something unpleasant or provides relief from suffering幸运; 解脱：
his death was in a way a mercy.
某种意义上说, 他的死是一种解脱。
1.2
- as modifier(especially of a journey or mission) performed out of a desire to relieve suffering; motivated by compassion（尤指旅行或使命）出于怜悯的：
mercy missions to refugees caught up in the fighting.
救助陷入战火的难民的人道主义任务。
- archaic used in expressions of surprise or fear〈古〉［表示惊愕或恐惧］嗳呀：
'Mercy me!' uttered Mrs Diggory.
迪戈里太太叫了一声：“嗳呀！”
短语
at the mercy of
- completely in the power or under the control of任凭…的摆布, 完全受…的支配：
consumers were at the mercy of every rogue in the marketplace.
顾客任凭奸商欺诈。
be thankful （或grateful） for small mercies
- be relieved that an unpleasant situation is alleviated by minor advantages庆幸不利情况已略有改善。
have mercy on（或upon）
- show compassion or forgiveness to宽恕; 对…有怜悯之心：
may the Lord have mercy on her soul.
愿主宽恕她的灵魂。
leave someone/thing to the mercy of
- expose someone or something to a situation of probable danger or harm听任…由（可能有危险或危害的形势）摆布：
the forest is left to the mercy of the loggers.
森林任凭伐木工随意砍伐。
throw oneself on someone's mercy
- intentionally place oneself in someone's hands in the expectation that they will behave mercifully towards one特意恳求（某人）宽恕。
词源
Middle English: from Old French merci 'pity' or 'thanks'， from Latin merces, merced- 'reward'， in Christian Latin 'pity, favour, heavenly reward'.