New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
Absolve — Ab*solve (#; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Absolved}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Absolving}.] [L. absolvere to set free, to absolve; ab + solvere to loose. See {Assoil}, {Solve}.] 1. To set free, or release, as from some obligation, debt, or responsibility,… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
absolve — ab·solve /əb zälv, sälv/ vt ab·solved, ab·solv·ing 1: to set free or release from some obligation or responsibility a judgment terminating a parent s rights...absolve s that parent of all future support obligations In re Bruce R., 662 A.2d 107… … Law dictionary
absolve — 1. Pronunciation is now normally with z , not s . 2. The usual construction is with a direct object, or in the passive, followed by of or from: • It absolved him of all responsibility L. A. G. Strong, 1948 • Absolve me from all spot of sin James… … Modern English usage
absolve — [ab zälv′, absälv′, abzôlv′, absôlv′; əbzälv′, əb sälv, əbzôlv′, əbsôlv′] vt. absolved, absolving [ME absolven < L absolvere, to loosen from < ab , from + solvere: see SOLVE] 1. to pronounce free from guilt or blame; acquit 2. a) to give… … English World dictionary
absolve — (v.) early 15c., from L. absolvere set free, loosen, acquit, from ab from (see AB (Cf. ab )) + solvere loosen (see SOLVE (Cf. solve)). Related: Absolved; absolving … Etymology dictionary
absolve — exonerate, acquit, *exculpate, vindicate Analogous words: pardon, forgive, remit (see EXCUSE): release, *free, discharge Antonyms: hold (to a promise, an obligation): charge (with a sin, the blame, the responsibility) Contrasted words: blame (see … New Dictionary of Synonyms
absolve — [v] free from responsibility, duty acquit, bleach, blink at, clear, discharge, exculpate, excuse, exempt, exonerate, forgive, free, go easy on, launder*, let off*, let off easy*, let off the hook*, let up on*, liberate, lifeboat*, loose, pardon,… … New thesaurus
absolve — ► VERB 1) declare (someone) free from guilt or responsibility. 2) give absolution for (a sin). ORIGIN Latin absolvere set free, acquit … English terms dictionary
absolve — verb 1) this fact does not absolve you from responsibility Syn: exonerate, discharge, acquit, vindicate; release, relieve, liberate, free, deliver, clear, exempt, let off; formal exculpate Ant: blame … Thesaurus of popular words
absolve — UK [əbˈzɒlv] / US [əbˈzɑlv] verb [transitive] Word forms absolve : present tense I/you/we/they absolve he/she/it absolves present participle absolving past tense absolved past participle absolved 1) formal to state officially that someone is free … English dictionary
absolve — absolvable, adj. absolvent, adj., n. absolver, n. /ab zolv , solv /, v.t., absolved, absolving. 1. to free from guilt or blame or their consequences: The court absolved her of guilt in his death. 2. to set free or release, as from some duty,… … Universalium
