What is the meaning of Compassion? Different aspects of compassion’s meaning are emphasized by various dictionaries. Merriam Websters’ definition of compassion, states “The meaning of compassion is to recognize the suffering of others and then take action to help.” Merriam Websters’ definition embodies the component of action. Other definitions refer to the broad sympathetic feelings associated with compassion such as empathy, sympathy, pity, or other compassion synonyms. One may feel sympathy, but not act on it – compassion gets involved. When others keep their distance from those who are suffering, compassion prompts us to act on their behalf.