clemency
Americannoun
plural
clemencies-
the quality of being clement; disposition to show forbearance, compassion, or forgiveness in judging or punishing; leniency; mercy.
- Synonyms:
- mercifulness, gentleness, forgivingness
- Antonyms:
- harshness
-
an act or deed showing mercy or leniency.
-
(of the weather) mildness or temperateness.
- Antonyms:
- severity
noun
-
mercy or leniency
-
mildness, esp of the weather
Usage
what does clemency mean? Clemency is mercy or the quality of being lenient.Clemency is most commonly used in a legal context for situations in which a prisoner is officially pardoned or has their sentence shortened.Example: The governor has granted her clemency, meaning she will be released early.
Other Word Forms
- overclemency noun
Etymology
Origin of clemency
1375–1425; late Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Latin clēmentia. See clement, -cy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment rights and vowed to speak only if granted clemency, meaning either a commuted sentence or a presidential pardon.
From Salon
Martin remains the Justice Department’s pardon attorney, reviewing clemency applications and making recommendations to the president.
The president has issued a number of clemencies during the first year of his second term, many for defendants in criminal cases once touted by federal prosecutors.
From Los Angeles Times
Not even the creature’s eloquence moves Victor to self-reflection: “O Frankenstein, be not equitable to every other, and trample upon me alone, to whom thy justice, and even thy clemency and affection, is most due.”
Supporters maintain that clemency can serve as a tool for national reconciliation.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
