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.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
candystring
candyfloss
candypuff
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, absorbance, absorbed, absorbed dose
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to absolve

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

How to use absolve in a sentence

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
FEEDBACK