absolve

Meaning

1. (transitive) To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.).
2. (obsolete, transitive) To resolve; to explain; to solve.
3. (transitive) To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, or guilt.
4. (transitive) To pronounce not guilty; to grant a pardon for.
5. (transitive) To grant a remission of sin; to give absolution to.
6. (transitive) To remit a sin; to give absolution for a sin.
7. (obsolete, transitive) To finish; to accomplish.
8. (transitive) To pass a course or test; to gain credit for a class; to qualify academically.

Synonyms

exonerate

acquit

pardon

forgive

excuse

remit

clear

free

🆓

vindicate

release

redeem

exculpate

exempt

set free

relieve

shrive

justify

affranchise

deliver

assoil

free from

disengage

condone

cleanse

immunity

immunization

let off

liberate

liberated

manumit

overlook

chasten

pay off

purge

quit

cancel

relief

remission

reprieve

rescue

rid

assoilzie

spare

spell

square

unblock

unchain

uncork

dispense

unshackle

Translations

absoudre

absolver

assolvere

absolver

freisprechen

vrijspreken

lossprechen

absolveren

vergeven

συγχωρώ

απαλλάσσω

absolvieren

absoldre

entbinden

kwijtschelden

Pronounced as (IPA)

/əbˈzɒlv/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: absolven

In summary

First attested in the early 15th century. From Middle English absolven, from Latin absolvere (“set free, acquit”), from ab (“away from”) + solvō (“loosen, free, release”). Doublet of assoil.