plural amnesties
Definition of amnesty
(Entry 1 of 2)
: the act of an authority (such as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals
The government granted amnesty to all political prisoners. a general amnesty
amnesty
verbamnestied; amnestying
Definition of amnesty (Entry 2 of 2)
: to grant amnesty to : to pardon (someone) officially often before a trial or conviction
Only last Thursday Mr. Clinton told the U.S. that the generals were responsible for the killings … Now, they are to be amnestied and allowed to remain in Haiti if they so wish.— A. M. Rosenthal Traditionally, the incoming president amnesties all outstanding driving offences: during the months before an election people park even more selfishly than usual and drive at unbelievable speeds, knowing if they're caught, they'll be amnestied.— Richard Horton
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Time Traveler for amnesty
The first known use of amnesty was in 1580
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