1. A lessening of the symptoms of a disease, or their temporary reduction or disappearance: Three years after being diagnosed with the illness, the doctor was able to tell Billy Travers that his sickness was in remission and he could live like a typical teenager again.
2. A decrease or a reduction in the severity of something: The afternoon sun beat down with remission when the rain clouds came.
3. A release from a debt, a penalty, or an obligation: The bank officials notified the farmer of the remission that was granted by the financial institution that had his mortgage so now he knows that he has full ownership of the property.
4. A pardon or forgiveness: The governor of the state granted a remission to the person who had been incarcerated for 20 years and who had developed a marvelous research project involving small animals while he was serving his time in the prison.