absolve
UK: əbˈzɒlv | US: əbˈzɑːlv
vt. to formally declare someone free from guilt, blame, or responsibility
vt. (religious) to grant forgiveness for sins
vt. to release from an obligation or duty
absolve = ab<away> + solv<loosen> + e<verb suffix>
- ab (Latin ab): "away, from"
- solv (Latin solvere): "to loosen, release"
- e: a verb-forming suffix (no standalone meaning)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin absolvere ("to set free, acquit"), combining ab- (indicating removal) and solvere ("to loosen"). The word originally referred to legal or religious exoneration, reflecting the idea of "loosening" someone from blame or debt. Over time, it broadened to secular contexts while retaining its core sense of release.
The court absolved him of all charges due to lack of evidence.
The priest absolved her sins after confession.
The contract absolves the company from liability for delays.
Can anyone truly absolve themselves of past mistakes?
The investigation absolved the employees of wrongdoing.