expiate

[ ek-spee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·pi·at·ed, ex·pi·at·ing.

1. to atone for; make amends or reparation for:

   to expiate one's crimes.

expiate

/ ˈɛkspɪˌeɪt /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• ˈexpiˌator, noun

Other Words From

• expi·ator noun
• un·expi·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expiate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of expiate¹

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

Example Sentences

In 1994 after Mandela became president of South Africa, he made Tutu the chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a national tribunal to try to expiate the sins of apartheid.

From Time

These are autumnal deaths to expiate the sins of a people and appease the heavens so summer might return.

From The Daily Beast

Can it, as the prophets suggest, expiate our sins and bring us closer to God?

From The Daily Beast

Leave inquietude and remorse to those corrupt women who have cause to reproach themselves, or who have crimes to expiate.

From Project Gutenberg

Our former lapses require tears, shame and sorrow to expiate them.

From Project Gutenberg

Descended of an ancient and noble family, he was doomed to expiate a crime, of which he had been guilty, at Tyburn.

From Project Gutenberg

After her abdication in 1367, Petermann entered the monastery to expiate the sins and follies of his youth.

From Project Gutenberg

If this maiden on a Brahman casts her eye, devoid of shame, Let her expiate her folly in a pyre of blazing flame!

From Project Gutenberg