pardoning

enUK

par·don

P0068400 (pär′dn)tr.v. par·doned, par·don·ing, par·dons 1. To release (a person) from punishment or disfavor for wrongdoing or a fault: a convicted criminal who was pardoned by the governor. See Synonyms at forgive.2. To allow (an offense or fault) to pass without punishment or disfavor.3. To make courteous allowance for; excuse: Pardon me, I'm in a hurry.n.1. The act of pardoning.2. Law a. Exemption of a convicted person from the penalties of an offense or crime by the power of the executor of the laws.b. An official document or warrant declaring such an exemption.3. Allowance or forgiveness for an offense or a discourtesy: begged the host's pardon for leaving early.4. Roman Catholic Church An indulgence.
[Middle English pardonen, from Old French pardoner, from Vulgar Latin *perdōnāre, to give wholeheartedly : Latin per-, intensive pref.; see per- + Latin dōnāre, to present, forgive (from dōnum, gift; see dō- in Indo-European roots).]
par′don·a·ble adj.par′don·a·bly adv.