Absolve
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /əbˈzɒlv/
- US
Origin
First attested in the early 15th Century. From Middle English absolven, from Latin absolvere, present active infinitive of absolvÅ ("set free, acquit"), from ab ("away from") + solvÅ ("loosen, free, release").
Full definition of absolve
Verb
- (transitive) To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.). First attested around 1350 to 1470.
- You will absolve a subject from his allegiance.
- 1855, w, The History of England from the Accession of James II, Halifax was absolved by a majority of fourteen.
- (transitive, obsolete) To resolve; to explain; to solve. Attested from the late 15th century until the mid 17th century.
- 1646, w, w:Pseudodoxia Epidemica, We shall not absolve the doubt.
- (transitive) To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, or guilt. First attested in the mid 16th century.
- (transitive, legal) To pronounce not guilty; to grant a pardon for. First attested in the mid 16th century.
- 1807, w, The Odyssey by Homer (English translation), Absolves the just, and dooms the guilty souls.
- (transitive, theology) To grant a remission of sin; to give absolution to. First attested in the mid 16th century.
- 1597, w, Romeo and Juliet
- (transitive, theology) To remit a sin; to give absolution for a sin. First attested in the late 16th century.
- 1782, w, History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire, In his name I absolve your perjury and sanctify your arms.
- (transitive, obsolete) To finish; to accomplish. Attested from the late 16th century until the early 19th century.
- Milton Lost|VII, line 94and the work begun, how soon absolv’d,
- (transitive) To pass a course or test; to gain credit for a class; to qualify academically.
Usage notes
(to set free, release from obligations) Normally followed by the word from.
(to pronounce free from; give absolution for blame) Normally followed by the word from.