absolution

American  

[ab-suh-loo-shuhn] / ˌæb səˈlu ʃən /

noun

1. act of absolving; a freeing from blame or guilt; release from consequences, obligations, or penalties.

2. state of being absolved.

3. Roman Catholic Theology.

   1. a remission of sin or of the punishment for sin, made by a priest in the sacrament of penance on the ground of authority received from Christ.

   2. the formula declaring such remission.

4. Protestant Theology. a declaration or assurance of divine forgiveness to penitent believers, made after confession of sins.

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absolution British  

/ -trɪ, æbˈsɒljʊtərɪ, ˌæbsəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act of absolving or the state of being absolved; release from guilt, obligation, or punishment

2. Christianity

   1. a formal remission of sin pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance

   2. the prescribed form of words granting such a remission

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Other Word Forms

• absolutory adjective
• nonabsolution noun

Etymology

Origin of absolution

1175–1225; Middle English absolucion < Latin absolūtiōn- (stem of absolūtiō ) acquittal. See absolute, -ion

Example Sentences

Did writing the book make you think about aging or absolution differently at all?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

While absolution is central to Welby's lifelong faith, his forgiveness of Smyth may sit uncomfortably with some survivors, who have accused him of failing to engage with them.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2025

For some, procrastination until the precipice of death inevitably led to a rather stressful process of deathbed absolution.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2025

And “Happy for You” is a post-breakup song that radiates absolution for all involved.

From New York Times • May 3, 2024

Here she was, offering a possibility of absolution.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• forgiveness