Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

expiate

 - 2 dictionary results

ex⋅pi⋅ate

  [ek-spee-eyt]
Use expiate in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing.
to atone for; make amends or reparation for: to expiate one's crimes.
Origin:
1585–95; < L expiātus (ptp. of expiāre to atone for, make good), equiv. to ex- ex- 1 + piā(re) to propitiate (see pious ) + -tus ptp. suffix

Related forms:
ex⋅pi⋅a⋅tor, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To expiate
ex·pi·ate   (ěk'spē-āt')   
v.   ex·pi·at·ed, ex·pi·at·ing, ex·pi·ates

v.   tr.
To make amends or reparation for; atone: expiate one's sins by acts of penance.
v.   intr.
To make amends; atone.

[Latin expiāre, expiāt- : ex-, intensive pref.; see ex- + piāre, to atone (from pius, devout).]
ex'pi·a'tor n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see expiate on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way