# absolved

/æbˈzɑɫvd/ (US) · /ɐbsˈɒlvd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.