Absolution: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in a religious context where a priest grants forgiveness for sins during the sacrament of confession.

• The priest gave her absolution for her sins.
• He sought absolution in the church to find peace.

Commonly used in everyday situations when someone feels sorry for a mistake and wants to be excused by the other person.

• She begged for her friend's forgiveness after the argument.
• Forgiveness can heal many broken relationships.

Frequent in legal or formal contexts where someone is formally released from punishment or legal consequences.

• The governor granted him a pardon a few days before his release date.
• She asked for a pardon from the council for her mistake.

Often used in the context of canceling a debt or punishment, or referring to a period during which symptoms of a disease are reduced or disappear.

• His sentence was reduced to probation after serving two years, thanks to the remission he received.
• The disease went into remission after several months of treatment.

Typically used in a religious context to refer to the formal forgiveness of sins.

• The priest granted him absolution after he confessed.
• She sought absolution for her wrongdoings.

This term is used when someone is officially cleared of blame or responsibility, often after being accused or suspected of wrongdoing.

• The new evidence led to his exoneration.
• Exoneration brought peace to his family after years of accusations.

Used in a legal context when someone is formally declared not guilty of a crime.

• The jury's acquittal meant he was free to go.
• Her acquittal was a relief after a long court battle.

This is used when a person is officially forgiven for an offense or crime, usually by a person in authority, like a president or a governor.

• The governor granted him a pardon.
• She received a presidential pardon after serving ten years in prison.