absolve

verb

ab·​solve əb-ˈzälv  -ˈsälv 

-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.

Synonyms

• acquit
• clear
• exculpate
• exonerate
• vindicate

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

Without absolving the Israeli government of the immense human and material costs of the war or the occupation, some Palestinian analysts have apportioned plenty of blame to Hamas for its violence and absolutist ideology. —David Remnick, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024

Human rights groups like Amnesty International say such warnings do not absolve Israel of responsibilities under international humanitarian law to limit civilian harm. —Kara Fox, CNN, 4 Oct. 2024

Hilderbrand’s version of this story takes its time to absolve every single rich person who could have contributed to Merritt’s demise, including the person most responsible: Abby Winbury, the pregnant daughter-in-law of Tag and Greer Garrison Winbury. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2024

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

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

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Kids Definition

absolve

verb

ab·​solve əb-ˈzälv  -ˈsälv 

-ˈzȯlv,

-ˈsȯlv

absolved; absolving

formal

: to set free from an obligation or punishment

absolver noun

Legal Definition

absolve

transitive verb

ab·​solve əb-ˈzälv, -ˈsälv 

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 obligations

—In 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 negligence

—Harbaugh v. Darr, 438 P.2d 74 (1968)