definitions

expiate

[ ek-spee-eyt ]
/ ˈɛk spiˌeɪt /
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verb (used with object), ex·pi·at·ed, ex·pi·at·ing.

to atone for; make amends or reparation for: to expiate one's crimes.

RELATED WORDS

remedy, rectify, amend, forgive, absolve, atone, excuse, redeem, compensate, redress, appease, correct

Nearby words

expert witness, expertise, expertism, expertize, expiable, expiate, expiation, expiatory, expiration, expiration date, expiratory

Origin of expiate

1585–95; < Latin expiātus (past participle of expiāre to atone for, make good), equivalent to ex- ex-1 + piā(re) to propitiate (see pious) + -tus past participle suffix

Related forms

ex·pi·a·tor, nounun·ex·pi·at·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for expiate

British Dictionary definitions for expiate

expiate

/ (ˈɛkspɪˌeɪt) /

verb

(tr) to atone for or redress (sin or wrongdoing); make amends for

Derived Forms

expiator, noun

Word Origin for expiate

C16: from Latin expiāre, from pius dutiful; see pious
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