ENGLISH
REFERENCE

absolution

n.
C1 Advanced US //ˌæbsəˈɫuʃən// UK //ˌæbsəlˈuːʃən// ab·so·lu·tion Archaic

n. a formal statement that says someone is not guilty of a crime or a sin. It is often used in religious or legal contexts to clear a person's name.

n. the formal act of releasing someone from guilt or punishment for a crime or sin. Often used in legal or ecclesiastical contexts to signify a formal clearance.


SIMPLE

The judge gave him a full absolution for his mistake.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of being a suspect, the suspect finally received a public absolution when the evidence was proven to be false.

COMPLEX

The king granted a royal absolution to the traitor, effectively erasing the historical record of his rebellion and allowing him to return to court.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English absolucion, absolucioun, from Old French absolution, from Latin absolūtiōnem, accusative singular of absolūtiō (“acquittal”), from absolvō (“absolve”). See also absolve.

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