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Amnesty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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amnesty

[ˈæm.nə.sti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

international law

Amnesty is an official statement that allows people who have been put in prison for crimes against the state to go free, and their crimes to be forgotten.

Synonyms

forgiveness, pardon, reprieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amnesty

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
pardon

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
reprieve

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
forgiveness

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

Examples of usage

  • Political prisoners were released under an amnesty granted by the new regime.
  • The rebels laid down their arms in return for an amnesty.
Context #2 | Noun

general

Amnesty is also used more generally to mean a period during which people can admit to a crime or give up weapons without being punished.

Synonyms

forgiveness, pardon, reprieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amnesty

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.
pardon

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.
reprieve

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.
forgiveness

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.

Examples of usage

  • The government declared an amnesty for anyone who handed in illegal weapons.
  • During the amnesty, tax evaders can come forward and pay their dues without penalty.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Amnesty can be granted by governments, often involving people who broke laws but are given a chance to start fresh.
  • Historical examples include the amnesties granted after civil wars, allowing former combatants to reintegrate into society.

Historical Examples

  • In the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, a 1939 law gave general amnesty to individuals involved in the conflict.
  • In 1962, a major political amnesty freed prisoners in Germany who were part of the Nazi regime.

Cultural Significance

  • Amnesty International is an organization that focuses on protecting human rights and often campaigns against unfair imprisonments.
  • In literature and film, stories of amnesty often explore themes of redemption, forgiveness, and rebuilding community ties.

Psychological Impact

  • Offering amnesty can aid psychological healing by allowing individuals to move on from guilt and shame.
  • Studies suggest that granting forgiveness, akin to amnesty, can lead to improved mental well-being for both the forgiver and the forgiven.

Origin of 'amnesty'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'amnestia,' meaning forgetfulness, which reflects the idea of forgetting past wrongs.
  • In its early use, 'amnesty' referred to forgetfulness of crimes that were committed, often making room for new beginnings.

The word 'amnesty' originates from the Greek word 'amnestia', which means 'forgetfulness' or 'pardon'. The concept of amnesty has been used throughout history as a way to promote reconciliation, peace, and justice. In modern times, amnesties are often granted by governments to address political conflicts or human rights abuses.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,643, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.