a period during which offenders are exempt from punishment
"The president declared an amnesty, granting all political prisoners immunity from prosecution until their release date."
the formal act of liberating someone
"The dictator declared an amnesty to free all political prisoners held without trial."
Forgetfulness; cessation of remembrance of wrong; oblivion.
"The old king granted a symbolic amnesty to his rebellious subjects, choosing to forget their treason rather than punish it."
In plain English: Amnesty is an official pardon that lets people who broke certain laws avoid punishment without having to pay fines or go to jail.
"The government declared an amnesty for all illegal immigrants who came before 2015."
Usage: Amnesty refers to an official government decision to forgive crimes committed by a specific group, such as political dissidents or deserters. It is distinct from individual pardons because it applies collectively rather than to single cases.
grant a pardon to (a group of people)
"The new president signed an amnesty that granted a pardon to all political prisoners released during the uprising."
To grant a pardon (to a group)
"The president signed an amnesty that granted a full pardon to all political prisoners."
In plain English: To give amnesty is to officially forgive someone for breaking the law so they don't have to face punishment anymore.
"The new government promised to amnesty all political prisoners released during the transition period."
Amnesty International, a UK-based charity.
"Members of Amnesty International travel to conflict zones to document human rights abuses and campaign for justice."
The word amnesty traveled into English via the Old and Modern French languages. It ultimately derives from an ancient Greek term meaning "forgetfulness."