verb

absolve

uhb-ZOLV

Absolve (verb) means to officially clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility. Example: “The inquiry absolved the company of any wrongdoing.”

verb

To officially clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility.

"The inquiry absolved the company of any wrongdoing."

"New evidence absolved him of the crime."

To formally forgive someone of their sins.

"The priest absolved her during confession."

How to use absolve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo officially declare someone free of blame or sin.

Easily confused with

dissolve → resolve →

Common pairings

absolve of guilt absolve responsibility absolve from blame

Word forms

absolved past tense, absolves singular

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The inquiry _____ the company of any wrongdoing.

Etymology

From Latin absolvere, "to set free" or "acquit," built from ab ("away from") and solvo ("to loosen, release").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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exonerate acquit pardon forgive exculpate vindicate

Related words

clear blame excuse forgive huh justify abandon punish

Rhymes for absolve

solve evolve resolve involve revolve dissolve

See all rhymes for absolve →

Frequently asked questions

What does “absolve” mean?

The word “absolve” means to officially clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility. In plain terms, to officially declare someone free of blame or sin.

How do you pronounce “absolve”?

“Absolve” is pronounced uhb-ZOLV (/æbˈzɑlv/ in IPA).

How do you use “absolve” in a sentence?

Here is “absolve” used in a sentence: “The inquiry absolved the company of any wrongdoing.”

What part of speech is “absolve”?

“Absolve” is a verb.

Where does the word “absolve” come from?

The word “absolve” comes from Latin. From Latin absolvere, "to set free" or "acquit," built from ab ("away from") and solvo ("to loosen, release").

How many meanings does “absolve” have?

“Absolve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to officially clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility.

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clear blame excuse forgive huh justify abandon punish