Dictionary.com

absolve

[ ab-zolv, -solv ]
/ æbˈzɒlv, -ˈsɒlv /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: absolve / absolved on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), ab·solved, ab·solv·ing.

to free from guilt or blame or their consequences: The court absolved her of guilt in his death.
to set free or release, as from some duty, obligation, or responsibility (usually followed by from): to be absolved from one's oath.
to grant pardon for.
Ecclesiastical.
  1. to grant or pronounce remission of sins to.
  2. to remit (a sin) by absolution.
  3. to declare (censure, as excommunication) removed.

QUIZZES

THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
The Sunflower State
The Evergreen State
The Magnolia State
The Mockingbird State
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of absolve

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

synonym study for absolve

1. 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.

OTHER WORDS FROM absolve

ab·solv·a·ble, adjectiveab·sol·vent, adjective, nounab·solv·er, nounun·ab·solved, adjective

Words nearby absolve

absolution, absolutism, absolutive, absolutize, absolutory, absolve, absonant, absorb, absorbable gelatin film, absorbable suture, absorbance
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Words related to absolve

acquit, vindicate, pardon, relieve, forgive, exempt, exonerate, exculpate, whitewash, spring, clear, loose, free, excuse, launder, spare, sanitize, bleach, release, discharge

Example sentences from the Web for absolve

British Dictionary definitions for absolve

absolve
/ (əbˈzɒlv) /

verb (tr)

(usually foll by from) to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility
to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon

Derived forms of absolve

absolvable, adjectiveabsolver, noun

Word Origin for absolve

C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from ab- 1 + solvere to make loose
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Tired of Typos? Get Help Now!