Definitions for absolveæbˈzɒlv, -ˈsɒlv

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

ab•solve^*æbˈzɒlv, -ˈsɒlv(v.t.)-solved, -solv•ing.

to free from guilt or blame or their consequences.
to set free or release from some duty, obligation, or responsibility (usu. fol. by from).
to grant pardon for; excuse.
to grant or pronounce remission of sins to. to remit (a sin) by absolution.
Category: Religion

^* Syn: 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 usu. formal accusation: The court must acquit the accused if there is insufficient evidence of guilt. To exonerate is to consider a person clear of blame 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.

Origin of absolve:

1525–35; < L absolvere to release =ab-ab - +solvere to loosen; see solve

ab•solv′er(n.)

Princeton's WordNet

shrive, absolve(verb)
grant remission of a sin to
"The priest absolved him and told him to say ten Hail Mary's"
absolve, justify, free(verb)
let off the hook
"I absolve you from this responsibility"

Wiktionary

absolve(Verb)
To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.).
You will absolve a subject from his allegiance.
absolve(Verb)
To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, or guilt.
absolve(Verb)
To pronounce free or give absolution from sin.
absolve(Verb)
To finish; to accomplish.
absolve(Verb)
To resolve or explain.

Origin: First attested in the early 15th Century. From absolven, from absolvere, present active infinitive of absolvo, from ab + solvo.

Webster Dictionary

Absolve(verb)
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
Absolve(verb)
to free from a penalty; to pardon; to remit (a sin); -- said of the sin or guilt
Absolve(verb)
to finish; to accomplish
Absolve(verb)
to resolve or explain