expiatory

[ ek-spee-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. able to make atonement or expiation; offered by way of expiation:

   expiatory sacrifices.

expiatory

/ -trɪ; ˈɛkspɪətərɪ /

adjective

1. capable of making expiation
2. given or offered in expiation

Other Words From

• non·expi·a·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of expiatory¹

1540–50; < Late Latin expiātōrius, equivalent to expiā ( re ) ( expiate ) + -tōrius -tory ¹

Example Sentences

But the new principle speedily degenerated into a belief in the expiatory nature of the gifts.

From Project Gutenberg

A great expiatory sacrifice succeeded in finally calming him.

From Project Gutenberg

The oracle, being again consulted by Temenus, bade him offer an expiatory sacrifice and banish the murderer for ten years, and look out for a man with three eyes to act as guide.

From Project Gutenberg

In the philosophy of Plato, on the other hand, punishment was chiefly expiatory and purificatory.

From Project Gutenberg

I doubt whether a real distinction can be made between propitiatory and expiatory sacrifices.

From Project Gutenberg