verb
remit
To release someone partly or fully from a debt or penalty.
The judge remits the fine because of financial hardship.
Etymology
The parts mean sending back. The releasing sense developed into letting go of a demand, including a debt or punishment owed.
More examples
- The lender agrees to remit half of her debt.
- His prison sentence was remitted on appeal.
- The city remitted the late fee after discovering its mistake.
Forms
remit · remits · remitted · remitting
remission noun — Reduction or cancellation of debt or punishment.