expiation
[ek-spee-ey-shuh n]
- the act of expiating.
- the means by which atonement or reparation is made.
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Origin of expiation
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for expiation
Contemporary Examples
But law is, at best, an imperfect instrument of grief and expiation.
Historical Examples
Not unto me the strength be ascribed; not unto me the wringing of the expiation!'
Little DorritCharles Dickens
There is but one abode for the blessed, my dear mademoiselle, and one expiation for us all.
Homeward BoundJames Fenimore Cooper
With the old conception of law and the expiation of crime it was otherwise.
The Sexual QuestionAugust Forel
That thing which he was minded to do would be expiation in the sight of Heaven.
The Shadow of a CrimeHall Caine
Such a provocation as he gave me could have but one expiation.
A Day's RideCharles James Lever
expiation
- the act, process, or a means of expiating; atonement
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for expiation
n.
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]
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper