absolve

[ab-zolv, -solv]

verb (used with object)

absolved, absolving 

1. to free from guilt or blame or their consequences.

   The court absolved her of guilt in his death.

   Synonyms: clear, exculpate
   Antonyms: blame

2. to set free or release, as from some duty, obligation, or responsibility (usually followed byfrom ).

   to be absolved from one's oath.

   Synonyms: exempt, liberate

3. to grant pardon for.

   Synonyms: forgive, excuse

4. Ecclesiastical.

   1. to grant or pronounce remission of sins to.

   2. to remit (a sin) by absolution.

   3. to declare (censure, as excommunication) removed.

absolve

/ əbˈzɒlv /

verb

1. (usually foll by from) to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility

2. to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon

Other Word Forms

• absolvable adjective
• absolvent adjective
• absolver noun
• unabsolved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of absolve¹

1525–35; < Latin absolvere, equivalent to ab- ab- + solvere to loosen; solve

Word History and Origins

Origin of absolve¹

C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from _ab- ¹ + solvere to make loose

Synonym Study

Absolve, acquit, exonerate all mean to free from blame. Absolve is a general word for this idea. To acquit is to release from a specific and usually formal accusation: The court must acquit the accused if there is not enough evidence of guilt. To exonerate is to consider a person clear of blame or consequences for an act (even when the act is admitted), or to justify the person for having done it: to be exonerated for a crime committed in self-defense.

Example Sentences

Two official inquiries then took place which absolved MI5 and its officers of deliberate wrongdoing, claiming the false evidence was down to mistakes and poor memories.

From BBC

And then go the next day to absolve myself.

From Los Angeles Times

On her most popular Telegram channel she has issued "decrees" to absolve her more than 36,000 followers from bills and debts.

From BBC

That view absolves us of trying to understand the systemic source of those indignities as something other than unkindness.

From Salon

Alsup said the purchases did not absolve the company, but that they could reduce damages.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquit 
• exempt 
• exonerate 
• forgive 
• pardon 
• relieve 
• vindicate