noun

absolution

ab-suh-LOO-shun/ˌæbsəˈluːʃn/

Formal forgiveness or release from guilt or blame.

The priest offers absolution to the person seeking forgiveness.

A white older priest offers a reassuring blessing to a penitent adult in a quiet church alcove.

Etymology

abLatinaway, off

+solutLatinloosen, release

+ionLatinaction or result

“Loosening away” became release or acquittal, making absolution a formal freeing from guilt. Its forgiveness sense originally concerned sins before extending to wrongdoing more generally.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain68:23

Corsair swooped down and boarded us our men defended themselves like the pope soldiers they flung themselves upon their knees and threw down their arms begging of the Corsair an Absolution in articul mortis

1700s Satire Audiobook: Voltaire - Candide

More examples

After confessing her sins, she received absolution from the priest.
He wanted absolution from his family for years of neglect.
The mayor's apology was a plea for absolution, not an excuse.

Forms

absolution · absolutions

absolve verb — to free someone from guilt or blame

Similar words

forgiveness: Works in everyday relationships without suggesting a formal declaration.
pardon: Often means official release from punishment for a crime.
exoneration: Clears someone of blame rather than forgiving an admitted wrong.