absolve

The definition of absolve is to be forgiven for your sins or to be set free of all of the legal or moral consequences of your actions.

(verb)

An example of absolve is when a priest hears confession and tells the confessor that God has forgiven him.

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See absolve in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb absolved, absolving

  1. to pronounce free from guilt or blame; acquit
    1. to give religious absolution to
    2. to remit (a sin)
  2. to free (from a duty, promise, etc.)

Origin: ME absolven < L absolvere, to loosen from < ab-, from + solvere: see solve

Related Forms:

See absolve in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb ab·solved, ab·solv·ing, ab·solves
  1. To pronounce clear of guilt or blame.
  2. To relieve of a requirement or obligation.
  3. a. To grant a remission of sin to.
    b. To pardon or remit (a sin).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English absolven

Origin: , from Latin absolvere; see absolute

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Related Forms:

  • ab·solvˈa·ble adjective
  • ab·solvˈer noun

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