remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmi-shən 

1

: the act or process of remitting

2

: a state or period during which something is remitted

Synonyms

• absolution
• amnesty
• forgiveness
• pardon
• remittal

Examples of remission in a Sentence

The patient is in remission.

a temporary remission of symptoms

He was given remission for good behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even more concerning, each subsequent medication attempt further decreases a patient's chance for remission. —Megan Bruneau, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The goal of treatment is remission, where all the signs and symptoms of cancer are gone.4 Cervical cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. —Heidi Cope, Health, 20 Oct. 2024

In rare cases, cancer can disappear without medical intervention, known as spontaneous remission. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2024

What’s more, twice as many people in the group that got the active treatment reported remission of their depressive symptoms compared with people in the placebo group: 45% vs. 22%. —Brenda Goodman, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English remissioun "release from obligation, forgiveness," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French remissiun, borrowed from Latin remissiōn-, remissiō "sending back, release, abatement, cancellation (of a debt)" (Late Latin, "forgiveness, as of sins"), from remittere "to send back, release, relax, waive (a debt, punishment)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at remit entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing remission

• go into remission
• in remission

Kids Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmish-ən 

1

: the act or process of remitting

2

: a state or period during which something is remitted

Medical Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmish-ən 

: a state or period during which the symptoms of a disease are abated

cancer in remission after treatment

compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, intermission

Legal Definition

remission

noun

re·​mis·​sion ri-ˈmi-shən 

: the act or process of remitting