absolution

[ ab-suh-loo-shuhn ]

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.

absolution

/ -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

Derived Forms

• absolutory, adjective

Other Words From

• nonab·so·lution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of absolution¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of absolution¹

C12: from Latin absolūtiōn- acquittal, forgiveness of sins, from absolvere to absolve

Example Sentences

Rather than being for personal absolution, voting is a tool in the political toolbox — if the goal is to avert the worst and improve the chances for constructing a future worthy of humanity.

From Salon

It proposes we practice empathy and consider granting absolution to the people who gravely hurt us.

From Salon

Suh and Mones both raise the point the comic’s boosters bring up each time they petition for industry absolution, which is that he was never charged with a crime.

From Salon

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

From New York Times

There are straightforward moral grounds for Littlejohn’s absolution: U.S. laws shielding tax information from public scrutiny are unjust; his actions benefited the public by revealing outrageous facts the ruling class would have rather kept hidden; and in any case, a five-year sentence for leaking this information is indefensible.

From Slate

Related Words

• forgiveness