absolve
v.v. to officially say that someone is not guilty of a crime or a mistake. It is often used in legal or religious contexts.
v. to formally declare someone innocent of a charge or to release from a moral or legal obligation. Often used in the context of legal proceedings or religious confession.
The judge decided to absolve the defendant of all charges.
The committee voted to absolve the manager of any responsibility for the recent data breach.
In many religious traditions, the act of confession is seen as a necessary step before one can be absolved of their sins by a priest or a higher authority.
First attested in the early 15th century. From Middle English absolven, from Latin absolvere (“set free, acquit”), from ab (“away from”) + solvō (“loosen, free, release”). Doublet of assoil.