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expiation

noun

/ˌɛkspɪˈeɪʃᵊn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of expiation

The act of atoning for a wrongdoing or sin.
"The criminal sought expiation for his heinous crimes through a lifetime of good deeds."

Detailed meaning of expiation

It is often associated with the idea of making amends or paying the price for one's mistakes or transgressions. Expiation can take many forms, such as performing a penance, making restitution, or seeking forgiveness. In many religious traditions, expiation is a crucial part of the process of achieving redemption or salvation. It is believed that through expiation, individuals can purify themselves of their sins and restore their relationship with a higher power or the community. Expiation can also be seen as a way to acknowledge responsibility for one's actions and to show remorse for any harm caused to others. Ultimately, the act of expiation is a powerful means of seeking reconciliation and restoring harmony.

Example sentences containing expiation

1. The ritual served as a form of expiation for their sins.
2. He sought expiation for his past mistakes through acts of kindness.
3. The religious ceremony was a means of seeking expiation and forgiveness.
4. In some cultures, public confession is a common form of expiation.
5. The concept of expiation is deeply rooted in many religious traditions.
6. The penitent pilgrims traveled to the sacred site as an act of expiation.

History and etymology of expiation

The noun 'expiation' traces its etymological origins to the Latin word 'expiatio,' which is formed from 'expiare,' consisting of 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'piare' derived from 'pius,' meaning 'pious' or 'devout.' In ancient Roman religious contexts, 'expiare' signified the act of making amends or purifying oneself by performing rituals and acts of devotion to appease the gods and seek forgiveness for sins or wrongdoings. This etymology underscores the essence of 'expiation' as the act of atoning for a wrongdoing or sin through sincere and devout efforts to set things right or seek forgiveness. The prefix 'ex-' implies a cleansing or purifying process, and the connection to piety underscores the sense of moral and spiritual rectification, aligning with its Latin roots where expiation was closely linked to religious devotion and reconciliation with the divine.

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Further usage examples of expiation

1. The community gathered for a collective expiation of their wrongdoings.
2. The ancient texts outlined various rituals of expiation.
3. The priest guided the individual through a process of personal expiation.
4. The feeling of guilt pushed her to seek expiation through self-reflection.
5. The practice of offering sacrifices was seen as a form of expiation.
6. The philosopher proposed a theory of expiation as a path to personal growth.
7. The concept of expiation highlights the importance of atoning for one's actions.
8. The ceremony of expiation was performed annually to cleanse the community of impurities.
9. The act of expiation brought a sense of relief and inner peace.
10. The person's journey to expiation was a long and arduous one.
11. The practice of expiation played a significant role in the religious practices of the ancient civilization.
12. The elders emphasized the significance of expiation in maintaining social harmony.
13. The process of expiation required sincere remorse and genuine efforts to make amends.
14. The concept of expiation acknowledges the human capacity for redemption and forgiveness.