absolve
[ ab-zolv, -solv ]
/ æbˈzɒlv, -ˈsɒlv /
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.
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Nearby words
SYNONYMS FOR absolve
Related formsab·solv·a·ble, adjectiveab·sol·vent, adjective, nounab·solv·er, nounun·ab·solved, adjective
Synonym study
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples 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 Formsabsolvable, 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
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