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Definitions
absolve
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verb (absolv, ing)
  1. (transitive) To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.)
To a subject from his allegiance.
    • 1855: w:Thomas Babington Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James II'', volume III, chapter XIV - Halifax was absolved by a majority of fourteen.
      1. (transitive) To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, sin or guilt
      2. (transitive) (theology) To pronounce free or give absolution from sin.
    • 1782: w:Edward Gibbon, Edward Gibbon, History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire, volume VI, chapter LXVII - In his name I your perjury and sanctify your arms.
      1. (transitive) (obsolete) To finish; to accomplish.
    • (RQ:Milton Lost 1674, 7)-94 - The work begun, how soon / absolved.
      1. (obsolete) To resolve or explain.
    • 1646: w:Thomas Browne, Sir Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica VI-x - We shall not the doubt.
Translations:
  • Dutch: vrijspreken, vergeven
  • French: absoudre
  • German: freisprechen, lossprechen
  • Italian: assolvere
    (trans-mid)
    (trans-bottom) (trans-top, obsolete: to resolve or explain)
    (trans-mid)
    (trans-bottom)
Etymology: 15th Century, From Latin absolvere "to set free", "to absolve", formed from ab- + solvere "to loose".

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