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

  • (..) if he comes back. Good evening, Mr. Butler. Haven't I told you never to leave her alone in the dark? If you'll pardon me, sir, children are often afraid of the dark, but they get over it. If you just let her scream for a night or two. Let her scream! Either you're a fool or (..)
    1939 Gone with the Wind
  • (..) I'll tell him that I love him and then he can't marry her! "May the Almighty, and most merciful Lord... "...grant us pardon, absolution... "...and remission of our sins. Amen." Just hold on and suck in. Mammy, here's Miss Scarlett's vittles. You can take that back. I won't eat a bite. (..)
    1939 Gone with the Wind