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Definition of absolution

absolution

/ˌæb.səˈluː.ʃən/
ab · so · lu · tion
Plural:absolutions
•
Adjective:absolutory
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absolution Lexical Profile

absolution Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment; forgiveness for a wrongdoing.

Example

"The public apology was seen as an attempt to seek absolution for the company's past environmental negligence."

2

An ecclesiastical declaration by a priest that a person's sins have been forgiven following confession and penance.

Example

"After hearing the penitent's confession, the priest granted him absolution."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for absolution
Antonyms
View all antonyms for absolution

• Rhymes for absolution

• Nearby Words

absolute
absolutely
absoluteness
absolution
absolutist
absolve
absorb

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French absolution, from Latin absolutio ('an acquittal, a setting free'), derived from absolvere, combining ab- ('away from') and solvere ('to loosen or untie').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Absolution. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/absolution
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