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expiate Definition

ex·pi·ate (eks′pē āt′)

transitive verb -·at′ed, -·at′·ing

  1. to make amends or reparation for (wrongdoing or guilt); atone for
  2. to pay the penalty of; suffer for

Etymology: < L expiatus, pp. of expiare, to make satisfaction or atonement < ex-, out + piare, to appease, akin to pius, pious

expiate Related Forms
ex′·pia′·tion noun ex′·pia′·tor noun
expiate Synonyms

expiate

v.

atone for, make amends, appease, compensate; see apologize, pay for.

expiate Usage Examples

Object

  • sin: Have I not suffered enough to expiate the sins of my youth?
  • guilt: More likely, it helps expiate the guilt of spending two weeks in front of the box.
expiate Quotes

   And so, I missed my chance with one of the lords Of life. And I have something to expiate; A pettiness.

—Lawrence, D(avid) H(erbert)