absolution
/absəˈluːʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
1Formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment: absolution from the sentence...
- A review of some of the most noteworthy pardons in American history reveals a colorful assortment of Presidential absolutions.
- They don't need sympathy; they need absolutions.
- The apologies and absolutions at the end of the movie were rather trite and underdone.
Synonyms
forgiveness, pardoning, exoneration, remission, dispensation, indulgence, purgation, clemency, mercy;
pardon, reprieve, discharge, amnesty, delivery, acquittal, clearing;
freedom, liberation, deliverance, release;
condoning, vindication, exculpation
informal let-off, letting off
archaic shrift, shriving
1.1Ecclesiastical declaration that a person’s sins have been forgiven: she had been granted absolution for her sins...
- After all, a priest doesn't provide absolution for sins about to be committed.
- In time the French Crusaders received papal absolution for their part in the business at Zara, but the Venetians did not.
- The Friar gives absolution for sins in exchange for money and flirts with the prettiest wives.
Origin
Middle English: via Old French from Latin absolutio(n-), from the verb absolvere (see absolve).