sympathy /sim″pəthē/ [Gk, sympathein] , 1. an expressed interest or concern regarding the problems, emotions, or states of mind of another. Compare empathy. 2. the relation that exists between the mind and body, causing the one to be affected by the other. 3. mental contagion or the influence exerted by one individual or group on another and the effects produced, such as the spread of panic, uncontrollable laughter, or yawning. 4. the physiological or pathological relationship between two organs, systems, or parts of the body.
