— absolvable , adj. — absolvent , adj. , n. — absolver , n.
/ab zolv", -solv"/ , v.t., absolved, absolving .
1. to free from guilt or blame or their consequences: The court absolved her of guilt in his death.
2. to set free or release, as from some duty, obligation, or responsibility (usually fol. by from ): to be absolved from one's oath.
3. to grant pardon for.
4. Eccles.
a. to grant or pronounce remission of sins to.
b. to remit (a sin) by absolution.
c. to declare (censure, as excommunication) removed.
[ 1525-35; absolvere, equiv. to ab- AB- + solvere to loosen; see SOLVE ]
Syn. 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.
Ant. 1. blame.