absolve

/əbˈzɑlv/

/əbˈzɔlv/

Other forms: absolved; absolving; absolves

To be absolved is to be let off the hook, to be set free from a certain obligation or to be forgiven for a wrongdoing. The Church may absolve you of your sins, but that won't absolve you of the need to attend mass.

The Latin absolvere, which means "to set free," is the root of the word absolve. In the religious sense, to be absolved means to be truly forgiven in the eyes of the Lord, which must feel like being set free. In a more mundane everyday usage, absolve can be used to describe being let off the hook. For instance, putting a campaign poster in your window does not absolve you of the responsibility to vote.

Definitions of absolve

1. verb

   grant remission of a sin to
   “The priest absolved him and told him to say ten Hail Mary's”

   synonyms: shrive

   type of:

   forgive

   stop blaming or grant forgiveness
2. verb

   excuse or free from blame
   “I absolve you from this responsibility”

   synonyms: free, justify

   antonyms:

   blame

   put or pin the blame on

   types:

   excuse, exempt, let off, relieve

   grant exemption or release to

   wash one's hands

   to absolve oneself of responsibility or future blame

   frank

   exempt by means of an official pass or letter, as from customs or other checks

   type of:

   forgive

   stop blaming or grant forgiveness