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

  • (..) Peeta Mellark, Johanna Mason... - Finnick, I made the deal for Annie, too. - ...and Annie Cresta. Once freed, they will be granted full pardon for any and all crimes committed against the rebel cause. Good. That's good, Katniss. If Katniss Everdeen fails to fulfill her duties (..)
    2014 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
  • (..) Peeta and the other Tributes, Johanna Mason and Annie Cresta, will be rescued at the earliest opportunity. If and when Peeta is liberated, he will receive a full and unconditional pardon. No punishment will be inflicted. And the same goes for the other Tributes. No. It's not their fault (..)
    2014 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1