remission

[ri-mish-uhn]

noun

1. the act of remitting.

2. pardon; forgiveness, as of sins or offenses.

   Synonyms: absolution
   Antonyms: censure, blame

3. abatement or diminution, as of diligence, labor, intensity, etc.

   Synonyms: relaxation
   Antonyms: intensification

4. the relinquishment of a payment, obligation, etc.

   Synonyms: release

5. Medicine/Medical.

   1. a temporary or permanent decrease or subsidence of manifestations of a disease.

   2. a period during which such a decrease or subsidence occurs.

      The patient's leukemia was in remission.

remission

/ rɪˈmɪʃən, rɪˈmɪtəl /

noun

1. the act of remitting or state of being remitted

2. a reduction of the term of a sentence of imprisonment, as for good conduct

   he got three years' remission

3. forgiveness for sin

4. discharge or release from penalty, obligation, etc

5. lessening of intensity; abatement, as in the severity of symptoms of a disease

remission

1. Abatement or subsiding of the symptoms of a disease.

remission

1. A period in the course of a disease when symptoms become less severe.

The term remission is often used in speaking of sufferers from leukemia or other cancers whose symptoms lessen or disappear. In such a case, the disease is said to be “in remission.” The period of remission may last only briefly or may extend over several months or years.

Other Word Forms

• nonremission noun
• remissively adverb
• remissive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of remission¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin remissiōn-, stem of remissiō; equivalent to remiss + -ion

Example Sentences

He is in remission but says doctors told him “sleeping cancer cells” remain in his body.

From Los Angeles Times

The Swede is in remission,, external having had an operation in 2024, but described the diagnosis as "difficult psychologically".

From BBC

Catherine announced her diagnosis in March 2024, and went into remission in January.

From BBC

He hasn’t abandoned the cause even though his mom remains in remission.

From Los Angeles Times

Although her arthritis is still present, in remission but with occasional flares of pain, Guitron believes that her experiences have made her stronger.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolution 
• amnesty 
• exemption 
• exoneration 
• forgiveness 
• reprieve 

When To Use

What is remission?

In medicine, remission refers to a temporary or permanent decrease in the symptoms of a disease.Remission also refers to a release from a penalty or obligation, as in Fang was relieved when the bank gave him remission for the late fees on his car loan.Remission can also refer to the forgiveness of sin, as in The remission of sin is granted by the Church.Example: After four years of fighting cancer, I finally entered remission last week.