Noun: leniency lee-nee-un(t)-see
- Mercifulness as a consequence of being lenient or tolerant
"The judge's leniency in sentencing surprised many in the courtroom";
- lenience, mildness, lenity
- Lightening a penalty or excusing from a chore by judges or parents or teachers
"The judge showed leniency in sentencing the first-time offender";
- lenience
- A disposition to yield to the wishes of someone
"too much leniency spoils a child";
- indulgence, lenience
Derived forms: leniencies
Type of: mercifulness, mercy, permissiveness, tolerance
Encyclopedia: Leniency