expiation

[ek-spee-ey-shuh n]

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noun

the means by which atonement or reparation is made.

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Origin of expiation

1375–1425; late Middle English expiacioun < Latin expiātiōn- (stem of expiātiō) atonement, satisfaction. See expiate, -ion

Related formsex·pi·a·tion·al, adjectivenon·ex·pi·a·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for expiation

But law is, at best, an imperfect instrument of grief and expiation.
30-Day Sentence for Dharun Ravi in Rutgers Spying Case Is Right|Jay Michaelson|May 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
They hold that it applies to his death on the cross as an expiation for sin.
The Supernatural Claims Of Christianity Tried By Two Of Its Own Rules|Lionel Lisle
The law of the sacrifice of the red cow, and the water of expiation.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
As a rule, however, the recovery of caste by expiation is an easy matter.
The World's Greatest Books, Vol XII.|Arthur Mee

Well, all I can do now is to carry out his wishes; that will be my expiation for my neglect.
The Lady of the Shroud|Bram Stoker
Thus, and these are extreme afflictions, this hapless wight expiates, and her expiation is brought upon her by her grandeur.
The Memoirs of Victor Hugo|Victor Hugo

British Dictionary definitions for expiation

expiation

noun

the act, process, or a means of expiating; atonement

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

Word Origin and History for expiation

expiation

early 15c., via Middle French expiation or directly from Latin expiationem (nominative expiatio) "satisfaction, atonement," noun of action from past participle stem of expiare "make amends," from ex- "completely" (see ex-) + piare "propitiate, appease," from pius "faithful, loyal, devout" (see pious).

The sacrifice of expiation is that which tendeth to appease the wrath of God. [Thomas Norton, translation of Calvin's "Institutes of Christian Religion," 1561]