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

1. to free from guilt or blame or their consequences.

2. to set free or release from some duty, obligation, or responsibility (usu. fol. by from).

3. to grant pardon for; excuse.

4. 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.)