absolve

[ ab-zolv, -solv ]

verb (used with object)

, ab·solved, ab·solv·ing.

1. to free from guilt or blame or their consequences:

   The court absolved her of guilt in his death.

   Synonyms: clear, exculpate

   Antonyms: blame

2. to set free or release, as from some duty, obligation, or responsibility (usually followed by from ):

   to be absolved from one's oath.

   Synonyms: exempt, liberate

3. to grant pardon for.

   Synonyms: forgive, excuse

4. Ecclesiastical.
   1. to grant or pronounce remission of sins to.
   2. to remit (a sin) by absolution.
   3. to declare (censure, as excommunication) removed.

absolve

/ əbˈzɒlv /

verb

1. usually foll by from to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility
2. to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon

Derived Forms

• abˈsolver, noun
• abˈsolvable, adjective

Other Words From

• ab·solva·ble adjective
• ab·solvent adjective noun
• ab·solver noun
• unab·solved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of absolve¹

1525–35; < Latin absolvere, equivalent to ab- ab- + solvere to loosen; solve

Word History and Origins

Origin of absolve¹

C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from ab- ¹+ solvere to make loose

Synonym Study

Absolve, acquit, exonerate all mean to free from blame. Absolve is a general word for this idea. To acquit is to release from a specific and usually formal accusation: The court must acquit the accused if there is not enough evidence of guilt. To exonerate is to consider a person clear of blame or consequences for an act (even when the act is admitted), or to justify the person for having done it: to be exonerated for a crime committed in self-defense.

Example Sentences

It absolved Democratic leaders of trying to appeal to Latinos, beyond claiming to be less anti-Latino than Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

"His decision today does not absolve any of us from bringing about the wholesale changes in culture and leadership that are essential in every part of the Church," she added.

From BBC

The human rights charity said the warnings did “not absolve Israel of its obligations under international humanitarian law”.

From BBC

The human rights group Amnesty International this week described Israel’s evacuation warnings in southern Lebanon as inadequate and overly general, and said they did not absolve the country of its obligations under international law.

From BBC

But he added that such sentiments do not absolve Hezbollah of blame for pushing Lebanon into war and tying its fate to the situation in Gaza — all at Iran’s behest.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquit
• exempt
• exonerate
• forgive
• pardon
• relieve
• vindicate