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absolve |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Absolve \Ab*solve"\ (#; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Absolved}; p. pr & vb n. {Absolving}.] [L. absolvere to set free to absolve; ab + solvere to loose. See {Assoil}, {Solve}.] 1. To set free or release, as from some obligation, debt, or responsibility, or from the consequences of guilt or such ties as it would be sin or guilt to violate; to pronounce free as to absolve a subject from his allegiance; to absolve an offender, which amounts to an acquittal and remission of his punishment. Halifax was absolved by a majority of fourteen. --Macaulay. 2. To free from a penalty; to pardon; to remit (a sin); -- said of the sin or guilt. In his name I absolve your perjury. --Gibbon. 3. To finish; to accomplish. [Obs.] The work begun, how soon absolved. --Milton. 4. To resolve or explain. [Obs.] ``We shall not absolve the doubt.'' --Sir T. Browne. Syn: To {Absolve}, {Exonerate}, {Acquit}. Usage: We speak of a man as absolved from something that binds his conscience, or involves the charge of wrongdoing; as to absolve from allegiance or from the obligation of an oath, or a promise. We speak of a person as exonerated, when he is released from some burden which had rested upon him as to exonerate from suspicion, to exonerate from blame or odium. It implies a purely moral acquittal. We speak of a person as acquitted, when a decision has been made in his favor with reference to a specific charge, either by a jury or by disinterested persons; as he was acquitted of all participation in the crime. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: absolve v : let off the hook [syn: {justify}, {free}] [ant: {blame}]
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