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absolve
[ ab-zolv, -solv ]
/ æbˈzɒlv, -ˈsɒlv /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
- to grant or pronounce remission of sins to.
- to remit (a sin) by absolution.
- to declare (censure, as excommunication) removed.
OTHER WORDS FOR absolve
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.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
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, adjectiveWords 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
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, nounWord 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
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