amnesty Definition
- 1an official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offenses
- 2a period during which people can admit to a crime or give up weapons without being punished
Using amnesty: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "amnesty" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government granted amnesty to all political prisoners.
Example
The rebels were offered amnesty if they surrendered their weapons.
Example
The amnesty program allowed people to return stolen goods without fear of prosecution.
amnesty Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for amnesty
- pardon
- forgiveness
- absolution
- reprieve
Antonyms for amnesty
- prosecution
- conviction
Phrases with amnesty
Example
The state government announced a tax amnesty program to encourage delinquent taxpayers to come forward and pay their taxes.
a government program that allows undocumented immigrants to apply for legal status
Example
The proposed immigration reform bill includes provisions for an amnesty program for undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria.
Example
The president declared a general amnesty for all political prisoners in the country.
Origins of amnesty
from Greek 'amnestia', meaning 'forgetfulness'
Summary: amnesty in Brief
The term 'amnesty' [ˈæmnəsti] refers to an official pardon for political offenses or a period during which people can admit to a crime or give up weapons without punishment. Examples include the government granting amnesty to political prisoners and offering amnesty to rebels who surrender their weapons. Phrases like 'tax amnesty' and 'immigration amnesty' denote limited-time opportunities for taxpayers and undocumented immigrants, respectively, to resolve their legal status without penalty.
