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

compassion noun
/kəmˈpæʃ.ən/ [U] approving
a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering or bad luck of others and a wish to help them