Cryptic crossword clue
Vicious cycle stopped by people showing mercy 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CLEMENCY

C
L
E
M
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N
C
Y

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "showing mercy" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case showing mercy = clemency.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does CLEMENCY mean?

CLEMENCY noun
  1. The gentle or kind exercise of power; leniency, mercy; compassion in judging or punishing.
  2. A pardon, commutation, or similar reduction, removal, or postponement of legal penalties by an executive officer of a state.
  3. Mildness of weather.

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