pardon

Definition

  • noun: the excusing of an offense without exacting a penalty
  • verb: to officially say that someone who is guilty of a crime will be allowed to go free and will not be punished
  • verb: to absolve from the consequences of a fault or crime
  • usually used as '(be) pardoned for'
  • synonyms: indulgence

Examples

  • “He's been in Haiti for the past two months.” “'Beg pardon'? He's been in Hawaii?” “No, Haiti.”

  • She received a 'presidential/royal pardon'. [=a pardon from a president or a king or queen]

  • The group wants the debt of the world's poorest countries to be 'pardoned'. [='forgiven']

Movie quotes

  • (..) for the good Sheriff's fighting men. It has a mighty kick. -Do I know you? -Please, sir, don't hurt me. Oh, my God, you stink. Pardon my blindness. I'm always falling-- Careful, Friar. What are you doing? Distributing libations for the celebration of the Sheriff's nuptials. (..)
    1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
  • (..) We reckon he's nicked... ...three to four million in the last five months. Raise the bounty on his head. crowns. Begging your pardon, it won't do no good... ...how much you raise it. Why is that? Because of the poor. He gives them what he takes. (..)
    1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves