expiate
UK: ˈɛkspɪeɪt | US: ˈɛkspiˌeɪt
vt. to atone for or make amends for (guilt or wrongdoing)
vt. to extinguish the guilt incurred by (a sin or offense)
expiate = ex<out> + pi<atone> + ate<verb suffix>
- ex<out>: From Latin ex-, meaning "out" or "thoroughly."
- pi<atone>: From Latin piare, meaning "to appease" or "to atone," derived from pius (dutiful, devout).
- ate<verb suffix>: A suffix forming verbs, from Latin -atus.
Etymology Origin:
The word expiate originates from Latin expiare ("to atone for"), combining ex- (thoroughly) and piare (to appease). It reflects the idea of "cleansing guilt" or "making reparations," rooted in religious and moral contexts where wrongdoing is "purged" through acts of atonement. The term retains its solemn connotation in modern usage.
He sought to expiate his crimes through years of community service.
The ritual was performed to expiate the sins of the tribe.
She donated generously to charity, hoping to expiate her guilt.
In some cultures, sacrifices are made to expiate communal transgressions.
The novel's protagonist wanders the land, trying to expiate his past mistakes.