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

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome’s four papal basilicas (along with St. Peter’s, the Lateran, and San Paolo fuori le Mura), and during the Jubilee year their holy doors will remain open so that pilgrims can pass through — a rite associated with remission of sins. —David Laskin, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024

Mickelson says the goal is to bring about significant changes in therapy and drive toward remission. —Johnson & Johnson, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

When his cancer entered remission in October 2024, his first thought was of his dog. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

But these stunning results—remission in every patient—have fueled a new wave of optimism. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 4 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