1. (

• forgiveness ,
• pardon

) the act of excusing a mistake or offense ;

2. (

• pardon ,
• amnesty

) a warrant granting release from punishment for an offense ;

3. (

• amnesty ,
• pardon ,
• free_pardon

) the formal act of liberating someone ;

1. (

• excuse ,
• pardon ,

) accept an excuse for; "Please excuse my dirty hands" ;

2. (

• pardon

) grant a pardon to; "Ford pardoned Nixon"; "The Thanksgiving turkey was pardoned by the President" ;