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absolve

verb

/əbˈzɒlv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of absolve

To formally pardon, excuse, or forgive someone for a wrongdoing or crime.
"The jury voted to absolve the defendant of any wrongdoing."

Detailed meaning of absolve

It is the act of absolving someone from guilt, responsibility, or penalty for a wrong act or an offense. Absolution is the state of being absolved, the act of forgiving, releasing, or acquitting someone from guilt or responsibility. It is often used in the context of religious or spiritual practices where it refers to the act of absolving someone of their sins.
In a legal context, absolution refers to the act of formally acquitting someone of a crime or dismissing a charge against them. It is a formal declaration of innocence.
In everyday life, absolution can also refer to the act of forgiving or releasing someone from a debt, obligation, or promise.
It's important to note that absolution requires remorse, acknowledgement and accepting the responsibility for the wrong act, and it may also require some form of reparations or compensation.

Example sentences containing absolve

1. The coach believed that the team’s victory would absolve them of their previous failures.
2. The judge's decision to absolve the defendant surprised many.
3. The committee voted to absolve the student of any wrongdoing.
4. It's not easy to absolve oneself from past mistakes.
5. The sincere apology helped absolve the tension in the room.
6. The jury's verdict was to absolve the accused due to lack of evidence.

History and etymology of absolve

The verb 'absolve' has its roots in Latin, originating from the word 'absolvere,' which is a combination of 'ab' (meaning 'away from') and 'solvere' (meaning 'to loosen' or 'to release'). This etymology reflects the core meaning of 'absolve,' which is to free someone from guilt or responsibility. Over time, the word evolved in Middle English to 'absolven' and eventually became 'absolve' in Modern English. It retains its fundamental sense of granting forgiveness or exoneration, making it a crucial term in discussions of legal and moral matters.

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Further usage examples of absolve

1. Forgiveness can help absolve the bitterness of a broken relationship.
2. The therapy sessions aimed to help individuals absolve their inner conflicts.
3. The president's speech attempted to absolve the government of any responsibility.
4. The shareholders demanded an investigation to absolve any financial irregularities.
5. The company's actions couldn't be easily absolved by a simple apology.
6. The lawyer worked hard to absolve their client from the charges.
7. The new evidence emerged, which led to the court's decision to absolve the suspect.
8. Society often struggles to absolve people with unconventional beliefs.
9. The act of charity seemed to absolve the guilt of the wealthy philanthropist.
10. The parents chose to absolve their child's misbehavior due to extenuating circumstances.
11. The leader's charisma didn't absolve them from making tough decisions.
12. Some cultures emphasize rituals to absolve spiritual impurities.
13. A sincere confession can sometimes absolve feelings of guilt.
14. The comprehensive investigation aimed to absolve any doubts about the project's integrity.
15. The jury's verdict will not absolve him in the eyes of public opinion.
16. The judge has the power to absolve the defendant if there is insufficient evidence.
17. The charity work she did could not absolve her guilty conscience for her past mistakes.
18. An apology does not always absolve the offender of the harm they have caused.
19. The document was intended to absolve the company of any liability in case of accidents.
20. The detective managed to find evidence that could potentially absolve the suspect of all charges.
21. It is not within our authority to absolve individuals of their legal obligations.
22. By paying the debt, the debtor seeks to absolve himself of the financial obligation to the creditor.
23. Her explanation did little to absolve her in the eyes of her disappointed parents.
24. The insurance agreement may not absolve you of responsibility in certain circumstances.