amnesty
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈæmnəsti/
KK: /ˈæmnəsti/
noun
Definition
Amnesty is a noun that means a general pardon given by a government to a group of people, usually for political crimes or offenses.
Example
The government declared an amnesty for all political prisoners.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new amnesty program the government is offering?
Yeah, I read something about it; it sounds like a big deal.
I wonder how it will affect people who have been in trouble with the law.
Hopefully, it gives them a chance to start fresh.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pardon
forgiveness
clemency
Antonyms
punishment
penalty
retribution
transitive verb
Definition
Amnesty means to officially forgive or pardon someone for a crime, often by a government, so that they are no longer punished for it.
Example
The government decided to amnesty all political prisoners.
Tense Forms
Past: amnestied
Past Participle: amnestied
Conversation
Did you hear about the government's plan to amnesty certain prisoners?
Yeah, it seems like a big step towards reforming the justice system.
I think it's about time they offered some sort of amnesty to those who deserve it.
Root Explanation
Amnesty is derived from the Greek word "amnestia" (meaning forgetfulness) which comes from "a-" (meaning without) and "mnesis" (meaning memory). The term originally referred to a formal pardon or forgetfulness of past offenses.
Memory Tip
Think of 'forgetfulness' ('amnestia') to remember that 'amnesty' means a formal pardon or forgetting past offenses.
Visually Confused Words
nesty
anesthyl
ancestry