English Reference

Word

absolved

Phoneticsab·solved

US/æbˈzɑɫvd/

UK/ɐbsˈɒlvd/

Definition

v. to officially say that someone is not guilty of a crime or a mistake. It means you are letting them off the hook for something they did.

v. to formally declare someone innocent of a charge or guilt; to release from a moral or legal obligation. Often used in legal or religious contexts.

Examples

“The judge absolved the defendant of all charges.”

“The committee absolved the manager of any responsibility for the data breach after a full investigation.”

“In many religious traditions, the faithful seek to be absolved of their sins through a formal confession and a period of penance.”

Examples

simple

“The judge absolved the defendant of all charges.”

contextual

“The committee absolved the manager of any responsibility for the data breach after a full investigation.”

complex

“In many religious traditions, the faithful seek to be absolved of their sins through a formal confession and a period of penance.”

Real-World Examples

“Carrick is not absolved of criticism; this United team are underperforming and pummelling promoted Ipswich and the Azerbaijan side Sabah cannot mask the disappointing start.”
The Guardian · 19 Sept 2026

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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English Reference