əbˈzälv, ab-, -ˈs-, -ȯlv also -ä(u̇)v or -ȯv transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English absolven, from Latin absolvere, from ab- ab- (I) + solvere to loosen, release — more at solve
1. : to set free or release from some obligation, debt, or responsibility or from the consequences of guilt or from such ties as it would be guilt to violate : pronounce free
absolve a subject from his allegiance
2. : to adjudge or pronounce not guilty : acquit
Halifax was absolved by a majority of fourteen — T.B.Macaulay
3. : to free from a religious penalty : pardon : remit (a sin) by absolution
4. obsolete : finish , accomplish
5. obsolete : to resolve or explain (as a difficulty)
6. : to qualify in (an academic requirement) : pass or obtain credit for passing (a course or an examination)
Synonyms: see exculpate