verb

absolve

uhb-ZOLV

verb

To officially clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility.

"The inquiry absolved the company of any wrongdoing."

"New evidence absolved him of the crime."

To formally forgive someone of their sins.

"The priest absolved her during confession."

How to Use Absolve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo officially declare someone free of blame or sin.

Easily confused with

dissolve → resolve →

Common pairings

absolve of guilt absolve responsibility absolve from blame

absolved past tense, absolves singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The inquiry _____ the company of any wrongdoing.

From Latin absolvere, "to set free" or "acquit," built from ab ("away from") and solvo ("to loosen, release").

solve evolve resolve involve revolve dissolve