Amnesty: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a political or legal context when an authority grants a group of people freedom from punishment.

• The government declared an amnesty for all political prisoners
• The president announced an amnesty for illegal immigrants

Used when an authority figure or institution officially releases someone from the penalty of a crime.

• The governor granted him a full pardon
• The president issued a pardon for the convicted criminal

Used when a temporary delay of a punishment, especially a death sentence, is given.

• The court granted a reprieve just hours before the execution
• A last-minute reprieve saved the inmate's life

Often used in personal or emotional situations where someone decides to stop feeling anger towards another person for something they did.

• She asked for his forgiveness after their argument
• Forgiveness is important for healing in personal relationships

This term is often used in a legal or political context, particularly when referring to a group of people being released from punishment by the government, often for political offenses or during a mass pardon situation.

• The government declared an amnesty for all political prisoners.
• There was an amnesty for those who violated the curfew during the protests.

Commonly used in a legal or formal context to refer to officially forgiving a criminal offense, often by a head of state, which removes both the penalty and the legal consequences.

• The president granted a pardon to the convicted felon.
• He received a pardon after serving five years in prison.

Primarily used in a legal context to denote a temporary delay or suspension of punishment, especially when referring to a death sentence.

• The governor issued a last-minute reprieve, stopping the execution.
• The prisoner was given a reprieve while new evidence was reviewed.

Typically used in personal or religious contexts to signify letting go of resentment or not holding someone accountable for a wrongdoing or mistake.

• After years of conflict, they sought forgiveness from each other.
• Her forgiveness towards him was a true act of love.