MEANING
The making of amends or removal of guilt for wrongdoing through a compensating act or punishment.
Use it for
Religious guilt, self-punishment, compensatory ritual.Show when a character treats suffering as payment for a wrong.
Words that belong together
- in expiation of a sin
- act of expiation
- seek expiation
On the page
He donated the money in expiation of the theft.
The ritual promised expiation but left the victim unheard.
She rejected his claim that exile was sufficient expiation.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- expiation
Usage notes
Primary category: gothic. Formal; emphasizes addressing guilt or an offense, while atonement may emphasize reconciliation. Usually uncountable; plural expiations for separate acts.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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