ab·solve

[ab-zolv, -solv]
verb (used with object), ab·solved, ab·solv·ing.
1.
to free from guilt or blame or their consequences: The court absolved her of guilt in his death.
2.
to set free or release, as from some duty, obligation, or responsibility (usually followed by from ): to be absolved from one's oath.
3.
to grant pardon for.
4.
Ecclesiastical.
a.
to grant or pronounce remission of sins to.
b.
to remit (a sin) by absolution.
c.
to declare (censure, as excommunication) removed.

Origin:
1525–35; < Latin absolvere, equivalent to ab- ab- + solvere to loosen; see solve

ab·solv·a·ble, adjective
ab·sol·vent, adjective, noun
ab·solv·er, noun
un·ab·solved, adjective


1. exculpate, clear. Absolve, acquit, exonerate all mean to free from blame. Absolve is a general word for this idea. To acquit is to release from a specific and usually formal accusation: The court must acquit the accused if there is not enough evidence of guilt. To exonerate is to consider a person clear of blame or consequences for an act (even when the act is admitted), or to justify the person for having done it: to be exonerated for a crime committed in self-defense. 2. liberate, exempt. 3. excuse, forgive.


1. blame.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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to charge, bind, or command earnestly and solemnly, often under oath or the threat of a penalty.
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World English Dictionary
absolve (əbˈzɒlv) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  (usually foll by from) to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility
2.  to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon
 
[C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from ab-1 + solvere to make loose]
 
ab'solvable
 
adj
 
ab'solver
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

absolve
1530s, from L. absolvere "set free, loosen, acquit," from ab- "from" + solvere "loosen" (see solve).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Most people, if given the opportunity, will jump at the chance to absolve
  themselves of responsibility for their actions.
Whether a citation is upheld or dismissed does not absolve you from
  responsibility in the accident.
Rulers must not be suffered thus to absolve themselves of their solemn
  responsibility.
Being polite doesn't absolve us of the duty to speak the truth.
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