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Expiating: meaning, definitions and examples

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expiating

 

[ɛkˈspieɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

making amends

Expiating means to atone for wrongdoing or guilt. It involves making reparations or taking steps to correct a moral offense. This term is often used in religious or philosophical contexts, where one seeks to reconcile their actions with a sense of justice or morality.

Synonyms

atoning, redeeming, reparating.

Examples of usage

  • She is expiating her past mistakes through community service.
  • He hoped to expiate his guilt by confessing his wrongs.
  • They set out to expiate their actions with sincere apologies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from Latin 'expiāre', where 'ex' means 'out of' and 'piāre' means 'to appease or atone'.
  • The concept of expiation has been present in various cultures, often involving sacrifices or acts of repentance.
  • In the Middle Ages, the word began to take on a religious connotation, indicating actions taken to reconcile with divine authority.

Religion

  • In many religions, expiation is crucial for forgiveness; for example, in Christianity, believers seek to expiate their sins through confession and penance.
  • In Judaism, Yom Kippur is a day dedicated to atonement and expiation, where individuals reflect on their actions over the past year.
  • Several ancient cultures required rituals or sacrifices as a way to expiate wrongdoings and restore balance with the gods.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, the process of expiation can involve feelings of guilt and the steps taken to resolve those feelings through meaningful actions.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy often addresses ways individuals can expiate feelings of guilt by confronting their actions and making amends.
  • Research suggests that actively seeking to make up for past wrongs can lead to improved emotional well-being and social relationships.

Literature

  • Expiation is a common theme in classic literature, where characters seek redemption for their past actions, such as in 'Crime and Punishment' by Dostoevsky.
  • Many authors explore the internal struggle of characters dealing with guilt, leading to journeys of expiation and self-discovery.
  • In poetry, expiation is often depicted through metaphors of cleansing or purification, symbolizing the desire to rid oneself of shame.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Shawshank Redemption' illustrate themes of expiation, showcasing how characters seek to correct their past mistakes.
  • Many songs feature lyrics about seeking forgiveness and the struggle of trying to expiate for wrongdoings, resonating deeply with listeners.
  • Video games often involve quests where characters must atone for past actions, allowing players to explore the theme of expiation interactively.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,827, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.