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

  • (..) - You are welcome - Nay, this courtesy is not of the fight breed If it shall please you to make a wholesome answer... ...we will do your mother's commandment If not, your pardon and our return shall be the end of our business - Sir, I cannot - What, my lord? Make you a wholesome answer. (..)
    2015 Hamlet
  • (..) ...to show my duty in your coronation, yet now I must confess that duty done... ...my thoughts and wishes bend again towards France... And bow then to your gracious leave and pardon Have you your father's leave'? What says Polonius? He has, my lord. I do beseech you give him leave to go (..)
    2015 Hamlet