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

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

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2025

"Repatriation would not be moral absolution, if someone came back it wouldn't prevent them from potentially being prosecuted for what they've done," he said.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 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