# absolve

/æbˈzɑɫv/ (US) · /ɐbsˈɒlv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/absolve
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to officially say that someone is not guilty of a crime or a mistake. It is often used in legal or religious contexts.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.