Verb

erlassen

to enact, to issue, to waive, to remit

Die Regierung hat ein neues Gesetz erlassen.

The government has enacted a new law.

Dem Gefangenen wurde die Reststrafe erlassen.

The prisoner's remaining sentence was remitted.

((sth.)) to enact/issue (sth.) The government issues a decree.

((sb.dat sth.acc)) to waive/remit (sth.) for (sb.) They waived his debts.

enact: verabschieden, verkünden; waive: vergeben, verzichten auf

From the prefix er- + lassen (to let, to leave). Can be interpreted as 'to let out' a law (enact) or 'to let go' of a debt (waive).

Think of the dual meaning of 'releasing': 'releasing' a law into the world, and 'releasing' someone from a debt.

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