Expiate: meaning, definitions and examples

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expiate

 

[ˈɛkspieɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,796, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.