pardon

²pardon

verb

par·donedpar·don·ing\ˈpärd-niŋ, ˈpär-d^ən-iŋ\

Definition of PARDON

transitive verb

1

a : to absolve from the consequences of a fault or crime b : to allow (an offense) to pass without punishment : forgive c : to relieve of a penalty improperly assessed

2

: tolerate

Examples of PARDON

1. <he eventually pardoned his sister for interfering in his marriage>
2. <I'm willing to pardon a little sloppiness of dress in such a kind and loving person.>

Origin of PARDON

Middle English, from Anglo-French parduner, from Late Latin perdonare to grant freely, from Latin per- thoroughly + donare to give — more at parboil, donation

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PARDON

Synonyms: forgive

Antonyms: resent

Related Words: absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate; remit, shrive; condone, disregard, excuse, ignore, pass over, shrug off; discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden

Near Antonyms: abhor, abominate, despise, detest, dislike, execrate, hate, loathe; avenge, redress, requite, retaliate, revenge; discipline, penalize, punish

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at excuse

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with PARDON

garden