absolve

[ ab-zolv, -solv ]

See synonyms for absolve 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.
- to grant or pronounce remission of sins to.
- to remit (a sin) by absolution.
- to declare (censure, as excommunication) removed.

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 for absolve

1	exculpate, clear
2	liberate, exempt
3	excuse, forgive

See synonyms for absolve on Thesaurus.com

Opposites for absolve

blame

See antonyms for absolve on Thesaurus.com

Other words from absolve

ab·solv·a·ble, adjective
ab·sol·vent, adjective, noun
ab·solv·er, noun
un·ab·solved, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use absolve in a sentence

What actually absolves the Palestinians of responsibility is the growth of Israeli settlements.
Answering My Critics on Zionist BDS | Peter Beinart | March 20, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Predictably each version absolves him of any responsibility for the decision to place Paul at the wheel.
Princess Diana’s 50th Birthday: The ‘Unanswered Questions’ | Martyn Gregory | July 1, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
A calmer eyewitness quite absolves the Bude men from all blame—to render more help had been impossible.
The Cornwall Coast | Arthur L. Salmon
He very distinctly absolves Hume from any connexion with the fictitious letter of the King of Prussia.
Life and Correspondence of David Hume, Volume II (of 2) | John Hill Burton
This method affords a refuge to all strays in your possession, and absolves you from any evil intent.
Wells Brothers | Andy Adams

It is both the power that commands and the inward judge that condemns or absolves.
Elements of Morals | Paul Janet
Mrs. Cregan also confesses her part in the plot, and absolves her son from intentional guilt.
The Standard Light Operas | George Upton

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

Origin of absolve

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

Derived forms of absolve

absolvable, adjective
absolver, noun

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

Browse