absolve

verb

ab·​solve əb-ˈzälv How to pronounce absolve (audio) -ˈsälv How to pronounce absolve (audio)
-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.

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 By invoking concepts like karma or divine retribution, individuals employing this language absolve themselves of responsibility while casting judgment upon the other party. Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Does her refusal to talk about her dire situation absolve you from all responsibility? Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2024 The Israeli public has not absolved Netanyahu of responsibility for October 7. Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2024 According to polls, most Republicans do not think Jan. 6 was a big deal and largely absolve Trump of responsibility for the violent attempt to stop the electoral vote count. David Jackson, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2024 Multiple outlets also reported that Majors’ acquittal on the intentional assault charge meant he was absolved of the more serious crime. Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2023 Davis said the goal is not to absolve social media companies of responsibility but to create and enforce industrywide standards that will hold platforms to account. Alison Cross, Hartford Courant, 17 Jan. 2024 Trump said the documents included a disclaimer that absolved him of responsibility for inaccuracies. Graham Kates, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2023 Child safety experts say these settings are an industry-wide weakness, allowing tech companies to absolve themselves while requiring parents to do the heavy lifting. Naomi Nix, Washington Post, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absolve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolve was in the 15th century

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near absolve

Cite this Entry

“Absolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolve. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

absolve

verb
ab·​solve əb-ˈzälv How to pronounce absolve (audio) -ˈsälv How to pronounce absolve (audio)
-ˈzȯlv,
-ˈsȯlv
absolved; absolving
: to set free from an obligation or punishment
absolver noun

Legal Definition

absolve

transitive verb
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 obligationsIn 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 negligenceHarbaugh v. Darr, 438 P.2d 74 (1968)

More from Merriam-Webster on absolve

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!