absolve

verb

ab·​solve əb-ˈzälv How to pronounce absolve (audio) -ˈsälv How to pronounce absolve (audio)
-ˈzȯlv,
-ˈsȯlv,
 also without  l
absolved; absolving

transitive verb

1
formal : to set (someone) free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt
The jury absolved the defendants of their crimes.
Her youth does not absolve her of responsibility for her actions.
2
formal : to pardon or forgive (a sin) : to remit (a sin) by absolution
asked the priest to absolve his sins
absolver noun formal

Did you know?

The act of absolving can be seen as releasing someone from blame or sin, or "loosening" the hold that responsibility or guilt has on a person, which provides a hint about the word's origins. Absolve was adopted into Middle English in the 15th century from the Latin verb absolvere ("to release, acquit, finish, complete"), formed by combining the prefix ab- ("from, away, off") with solvere, meaning "to loosen." Absolve also once had additional senses of "to finish or accomplish" and "to resolve or explain," but these are now obsolete. Solvere is also the ancestor of the English words solve, dissolve, resolve, solvent, and solution.

Choose the Right Synonym for absolve

exculpate, absolve, exonerate, acquit, vindicate mean to free from a charge.

exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance.

exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm

absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin.

cannot be absolved of blame

exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.

exonerated by the investigation

acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.

voted to acquit the defendant

vindicate may refer to things as well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving the unfairness of such criticism or blame.

her judgment was vindicated

Examples of absolve in a Sentence

no amount of remorse will absolve shoplifters who are caught, and all cases will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law
Recent Examples on the Web Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing. Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2024 The unprecedented move to absolve Nixon of any criminal charges related to the Watergate break-in and its cover-up generated national controversy, but some of the pardon’s biggest critics, including Watergate journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, later approved. The Arizona Republic, 8 Sep. 2024 Toward the end of their meeting, Biden seems to absolve Parnas. Philip Elliott, TIME, 7 Sep. 2024 Watch on Deadline Ryan Reynolds tried to quell the storm today with a response that absolved Curtis. Bruce Haring, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for absolve 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absolve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English absolven, borrowed from Latin absolvere "to release, acquit, finish, complete," from ab- ab- + solvere "to loosen, release" — more at solve

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolve was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near absolve

Cite this Entry

“Absolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolve. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

absolve

verb
ab·​solve əb-ˈzälv How to pronounce absolve (audio) -ˈsälv How to pronounce absolve (audio)
-ˈzȯlv,
-ˈsȯlv
absolved; absolving
formal
: to set free from an obligation or punishment
absolver noun

Legal Definition

absolve

transitive verb
absolved; absolving
1
: to set free or release from some obligation or responsibility
a judgment terminating a parent's rights…absolves that parent of all future support obligationsIn re Bruce R., 662 A.2d 107 (1995)
2
: to determine to be free of fault, guilt, or liability
a jury absolved the defendant of any negligenceHarbaugh v. Darr, 438 P.2d 74 (1968)

More from Merriam-Webster on absolve

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