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

  • (..) My answer would still be the same. There's a reason you won't let me have them. There is. I suggest that you ask your wife. - I beg your pardon? - I said, ask your wife. - My wife? - Yes. Play "La Marseillaise. " Play it! (..)
    1942 Casablanca
  • (..) These papers expired three weeks ago. You'll have to come along. Halt! - What is going on? - I don't know, my dear. Pardon me. Have you not heard? We hear very little and we understand even less. Two German couriers were found murdered in the unoccupied desert. This is the customary (..)
    1942 Casablanca