Definition
To free from guilt, responsibility, or punishment; to declare innocent or blameless.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
verb
Synonyms
acquit, clear, exonerate, pardon, release
Antonyms
accuse, charge, convict, blame, hold responsible
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | absolvers, absolution, absolver, absolutions |
| Verb | absolved, absolves, absolve, absolving |
| Adjective | absolvitory |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The judge absolved the defendant of all charges due to a lack of evidence.
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The priest absolved the sinner of their sins in confession.
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The CEO absolved themselves of any responsibility for the company’s failure.
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In a poignant moment of forgiveness, she mustered the strength to absolve her long-estranged father, releasing the weight of resentment that had burdened her for years, as she embraced the power of compassion and chose to free herself from the shackles of bitterness and anger.
Usage
The word “absolve” comes from the Latin word “absolvere,” meaning “to free from.” It is commonly used in legal, religious, and moral contexts when referring to the exoneration or forgiveness of wrongdoing. It can be used to describe the act of releasing someone from blame or responsibility for something they have done wrong, or to declare someone innocent of a crime or offense.
The word “absolve” can also be modified with various prefixes and suffixes to create related words. For example, the prefix “re-” can be added to create the word “resolve,” which means to find a solution or make a decision about something that was previously in question. The suffix “-tion” can be added to create the noun form “absolution,” which refers to the act of absolving someone or the state of being absolved. Similarly, the suffix “-able” can be added to create the adjective form “absolvable,” which describes something that can be absolved or forgiven.
Overall, “absolve” is a powerful word that implies a complete release from guilt or responsibility. It is often used in formal or religious contexts and carries with it a sense of authority and finality. In legal contexts, it is typically reserved for situations in which someone has been found not guilty of a crime, while in religious contexts, it is used to refer to the forgiveness of sins.