excuse, dismissal
免 centers on being released from something burdensome: excusing someone from a duty or dismissing them from a role. The idea is removal of an obligation or consequence.
免 is thought to depict a person removing a heavy head covering or burden, giving the sense of escape or release. The modern form retains the idea of a person (儿) under a covering (⺈), but the exact historical development is uncertain.
The top ⺈ looks like a heavy hat or burden, and the bottom 儿 is a person. Picture someone lifting off a heavy load and walking away free: they are excused or dismissed.
For メン, imagine a manager saying 'men, you are excused' and dismissing the team: men -> メン, and the burden is lifted.
I'm sorry; my apologies; excuse me; pardon me
I'm sorry; my apologies; excuse me; pardon me
license; licence; permission; permit; certificate
immunity; immunization; immunisation
to escape (disaster, death, etc.); to be saved from; to be rescued from
exemption; exoneration; discharge
dismissal; discharge
exemption from responsibility
tax exemption; duty exemption
dismissal (from a position); discharge
dismissal; sacking; discharge
release (from custody); discharge; liberation; setting free; letting go; letting off; acquittal
acquittal
reduction and exemption (e.g. taxes); mitigation and remission (e.g. in criminal law)
to dismiss (from a position)
pardon; remission; amnesty
licence; license; certificate; permit
temporary license; temporary licence; provisional license; provisional licence
possessing full mastery of an art (e.g. Judo); initiation into the secrets (e.g. of an art); full mastership
dismissal (from one's post); firing; being relieved from one's post; being relieved of a duty