MEANING
Release from guilt or blame, especially formal forgiveness of sins by a priest.
Use it for
Confessions, longing for forgiveness, attempts to escape blame.Separate being forgiven from repairing the consequences of wrongdoing.
Words that belong together
- grant absolution
- seek absolution
- priestly absolution
On the page
He sought absolution without naming the person he had harmed.
The priest withheld absolution until he heard the whole confession.
No letter from the family could give her the absolution she wanted.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- absolution
Usage notes
Primary category: gothic. Religious absolution differs from legal acquittal; forgiveness does not automatically undo harm. Usually uncountable; plural absolutions for distinct grants.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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