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Entry 6 senses Webster, 1913

Sympathy

/sĭm'-pəth-ē/ · Sym·pa·thy · IPA /ˈsɪm.pəθ.i/
01 n. Feeling corresponding to that which another feels; the quality of being affected by the affection of another, with feelings correspondent i…
pl. Sympathies ((#))
  1. 1.
    Feeling corresponding to that which another feels; the quality of being affected by the affection of another, with feelings correspondent in kind, if not in degree; fellow-feeling.
    “They saw, but other sight instead -- a crowd Of ugly serpents! Horror on them fell, And horrid sympathy.” — Milton.
  2. 2.
    An agreement of affections or inclinations, or a conformity of natural temperament, which causes persons to be pleased, or in accord, with one another; as, there is perfect sympathy between them.
  3. 3.
    Kindness of feeling toward one who suffers; pity; commiseration; compassion.
    “I value myself upon sympathy, I hate and despise myself for envy.” — Kames.
  4. 4.
    The reciprocal influence exercised by organs or parts on one another, as shown in the effects of a diseased condition of one part on another part or organ, as in the vomiting produced by a tumor of the brain.(Physiol. & Med.)
  5. 5.
    A tendency of inanimate things to unite, or to act on each other; as, the sympathy between the loadstone and iron.[R.]
  6. 6.
    Similarity of function, use office, or the like.
    “The adverb has most sympathy with the verb.” — Earle.
    “Fault, Acknowledged and deplored, in Adam wrought Commiseration.” — Milton.
Syn. Pity; fellow-feeling; compassion; commiseration; tenderness; condolence; agreement.
Sympathy, Commiseration. Sympathy is literally a fellow-feeling with others in their varied conditions of joy or of grief. This term, however, is now more commonly applied to a fellow-feeling with others under affliction, and then coincides very nearly with commiseration. In this case it is commonly followed by for; as, to feel sympathy for a friend when we see him distressed. The verb sympathize is followed by with; as, to sympathize with a friend in his distresses or enjoyments. “Every man would be a distinct species to himself, were there no sympathy among individuals.” South. See Pity.