Expiate: meaning, definitions and examples

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expiate

 

[ ˈɛkspieɪt ]

Verb
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.

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 origin

The word 'expiate' comes from the Latin 'expiatus', the past participle of 'expiāre', meaning 'to atone for' or 'to cleanse'. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' or 'from', implying an act of removing or alleviating guilt or sin. The root 'piāre' is derived from 'pius', meaning 'pious' or 'devout', which reflects the religious undertones associated with the act of atoning. This term has evolved through languages, including Old French, before becoming part of the English lexicon in the 15th century. The moral implications of expiation tie closely to notions of guilt, justice, and the reconciliation of one's actions with societal or divine standards.

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.