Absolve /(#; 277)/

Ab·solve

Absolve

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Absolved; p. pr. & vb. n. Absolving

  1. To set free, or release, as from some obligation, debt, or responsibility, or from the consequences of guilt or such ties as it would be sin or guilt to violate; to pronounce free; as, to absolve a subject from his allegiance; to absolve an offender, which amounts to an acquittal and remission of his punishment.
    Halifax was absolved by a majority of fourteen.
  2. To free from a penalty; to pardon; to remit (a sin); -- said of the sin or guilt.
    In his name I absolve your perjury.
  3. To finish; to accomplish. [Obs.]
    The work begun, how soon absolved.
  4. To resolve or explain. [Obs.]