amnesty
An official pardon for offenses, especially political ones
Examples
In a meeting
“We're offering a policy amnesty period where violations can be reported without penalty.”
Over coffee
“The library is doing a fee amnesty week for overdue books.”
Why this word
pardon
amnesty is a general, often political, forgiveness granted to a group of offenders, while pardon is typically for specific individuals
forgiveness
amnesty is an official policy absolving groups from legal consequences, while forgiveness is personal release from blame
immunity
amnesty specifically wipes away past offenses for groups, while immunity protects from prosecution without addressing past crimes
Usage tip
Use when describing official forgiveness for past violations, usually time-limited
Etymology
Greek — from 'amnestia' (forgetfulness), from 'a-' (not) + 'mnestis' (remembering)
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Related words
retroactive
Taking effect from a date in the past rather than from the present
redress
Remedy or correct a wrong or grievance
legislation
Laws or bills collectively enacted by a governing body
clemency
Mercy or leniency shown toward someone in one's power
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
comprehension
The ability to understand the meaning or importance of something