Origin: 1525–35; < L
absolvere, equiv. to
ab- ab- +
solvere to loosen;
see solve 
Related forms: ab⋅solv⋅a⋅ble, adjective
ab⋅sol⋅vent, adjective, noun
ab⋅solv⋅er, noun
Synonyms:
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.
Antonyms:
1. blame.
[ab-zolv, -solv] 