absolve

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Verb 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Related terms 1.3.4 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

15th Century, from Latin absolvere (“‘to set free, to absolve’”), from ab- + solvere (“‘to loose’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /əbˈzɒlv/
• (US) IPA: /æbˈzɒlv/, /æbˈsɒlv/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Verb

to absolve (third-person singular simple present absolves, present participle absolving, simple past and past participle absolved)

1. (transitive) To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.).

   You will absolve a subject from his allegiance.

   • 1855, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James II, volume III:

     Halifax was absolved by a majority of fourteen.

2. (transitive) To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, sin or guilt.
3. (transitive, theology) To pronounce free or give absolution from sin.
   • 1782, Edward Gibbon, History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire, volume VI:

     In his name I absolve your perjury and sanctify your arms.

4. (transitive, obsolete) To finish; to accomplish.
   • 1674, John Milton, Paradise Lost, Second Edition, Book VII, line 94

     and the work begun, how soon / Absolv’d,

5. (transitive, obsolete) To resolve or explain.
   • 1646, Sir Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica^[1], page x:

     We shall not absolve the doubt.

[edit] Synonyms

• (set free): excuse, exempt, free, release
• (pronounce free or give absolution): acquit, exculpate, exonerate, pardon, remit, vindicate
• (theology: to pronounce free or give absolution from sin): remit

[edit] Derived terms

• absolver

[edit] Related terms

• absolute
• absolution

[edit] Translations