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

  • (..) Who the heck could? Except maybe some guy's mother or somebody. Oh, look. Will you look at the time? Come on. Pardon me. I have made some notes here, and I would like, please, to say something. I have been listening very carefully and... it seems to me that this man (..)
    1957 12 Angry Men
  • (..) - It's reasonable to sit in order. - Let it be. - That's twelve. We go around one, two... What was your impression of the prosecuting attorney? - I beg pardon? - I thought he was really sharp, the way he handled all those points one by one, in logical sequence. - I was very impressed. (..)
    1957 12 Angry Men