Absolution
/ˌæb.səˈluː.ʃən/noun
The act of freeing someone from blame or guilt; forgiveness.
Did you know?In medieval times, absolution was not just forgiveness; it was often linked to the power of the Church to grant salvation, invoking the idea of spiritual release from sin!
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
absolutio
“A release or setting free.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
absolvere
“To set free, to release from guilt.”
Old French
Old French
absolution
“The act of absolving or forgiving.”
Middle English
Middle English
absolution
“The formal release from sin or punishment.”
Modern English
English
absolution
“The state of being absolved; forgiveness, especially in a religious context.”