Vocabulary Spotlight
Absolve
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To declare someone free from guilt, responsibility, or punishment.
“The court absolved her of all charges after finding no evidence of wrongdoing.”
Pronunciation
[ab-ZOLV]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Clear
Acquit
Pardon
Forgive
Antonyms
Condemn
Accuse
Charge
Punish
Related Words
Exoneration (noun)
Word Origin
“Absolve” is derived from the Latin “absolvere,” meaning “to set free or release,” with “ab-” meaning “from” and “solvere” meaning “to loosen.”
Word Family
Noun: Absolution – Formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
Verb: Exonerate – To clear from blame or accusation.
Mnemonics
All Blaming Stopped, One Lives Virtuously Evermore
This mnemonic suggests that to absolve means to forgive or free from blame.
Industry-specific Usage
Law
In law, to absolve someone is to formally declare them free from blame or responsibility for a crime.
Religion
In religious contexts, absolution is the act of forgiving someone for their sins, often performed by a priest.
Psychology
In psychology, absolving someone of guilt can be part of therapy to relieve feelings of remorse.
In Context
In everyday language, to absolve someone means to free them from responsibility or blame. This concept is applied in legal, religious, and personal contexts to relieve guilt or responsibility.