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

  • (..) a very good skier. Well, I started when I was a mere babe in arms. I could ski before I could even crawl. Terribly sorry. I beg your pardon. It's all right. This hotel is deteriorating rapidly. Well? Here's to you, Monsieur Gadbois. (..)
    1975 The Return of the Pink Panther