Expiate: meaning, definitions and examples
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expiate
[ˈɛkspieɪt ]
Definition
make amends
To expiate means to atone for one's wrongdoing or to make reparations for an offense. This term often carries a moral or religious connotation, suggesting a need for redemption or purification of guilt. The act of expiation typically involves some form of sacrifice or penance that is intended to reconcile the individual with a higher authority or to restore balance in a moral sense. It is often used in legal or spiritual contexts to describe an effort to correct past mistakes.
Synonyms
atone, compensate, make amends, redeem.
Examples of usage
- He sought to expiate his mistakes by volunteering in the community.
- She felt the need to expiate her harsh words with a sincere apology.
- Many cultures have rituals designed to help individuals expiate their sins.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'expiāre', meaning 'to atone' or 'to make amends'.
- In Latin, 'pius' means 'pious' or 'devout', hinting at the connection between expiation and seeking forgiveness.
- The prefix 'ex-' signifies 'out of', combining to convey the idea of moving out of guilt or wrongdoing.
Religion
- Many religious traditions include rituals to expiate sins, like confession in Christianity or Yom Kippur in Judaism.
- In Buddhism, performing good deeds can expiate bad karma, showing the importance of actions in the cycle of life.
- Some Indigenous cultures conduct cleansing ceremonies to expiate wrongs, reflecting a deep connection to community and nature.
Psychology
- Expiation can be tied to the concept of guilt; people often feel a need to rectify their actions to alleviate this feeling.
- Forgiveness, whether self-directed or from others, plays a crucial role in the process of expiation.
- The process often involves acknowledging the wrongdoing, understanding its impact, and taking steps to correct it.
Literature
- In literature, characters often seek to expiate their wrongs, leading to themes of redemption and moral struggle.
- Famous works like 'Crime and Punishment' center around the protagonist's quest for expiation after committing murder.
- Expiation is often portrayed as a transformative process, revealing deeper truths about human nature and justice.
Pop Culture
- Films frequently explore the theme of expiation, with characters that confront their past mistakes and seek redemption.
- Popular songs often highlight the journeys of individuals seeking to expiate their wrongs through personal change.
- In video games, quests are often designed around the protagonist's need to expiate for their choices, reflecting player agency.
Translations
Translations of the word "expiate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 expiar
🇮🇳 प्रायश्चित करना
🇩🇪 sühnen
🇮🇩 menebus
🇺🇦 спокутувати
🇵🇱 zmazać
🇯🇵 償う
🇫🇷 expiation
🇪🇸 expiar
🇹🇷 af etmek
🇰🇷 속죄하다
🇸🇦 تكفير
🇨🇿 odčinit
🇸🇰 odčiniť
🇨🇳 赎罪
🇸🇮 odkupiti
🇮🇸 sætja í lag
🇰🇿 жазалау
🇬🇪 გამოსყიდვა
🇦🇿 ödəniş etmək
🇲🇽 expiar