amnesty

noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An official pardon granted by a government for people who have committed political offenses.

  2. 2.

    To grant an official pardon to.

  3. 3.

    A period during which people who have committed offenses can admit to them without facing punishment.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    general amnesty — a pardon extended to all offenders of a particular category
  • •
    tax amnesty — a period allowing taxpayers to pay owed taxes without penalties

Related words

See also: clemency, forgiveness, pardon

Etymology

From Greek amnēstia ("oblivion, forgetfulness"), from a- ("not") + mnēstis ("remembrance"), related to amnesia.