'amnesty' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amnestia', where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'mnestis' meant 'remembrance'.

'amnestia' transformed into the Latin word 'amnestia', and eventually became the modern English word 'amnesty' through Old French 'amnestie'.

Initially, it meant 'forgetfulness or oblivion', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a pardon for past offenses'.