Expiation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
expiation
[ษkspiหeษชสษn ]
Definition
moral responsibility
Expiation refers to the act of making amends or atonement for guilt or wrongdoing. It often involves suffering or sacrifice, and is frequently associated with religious or moral contexts where individuals seek to rectify their transgressions. The concept emphasizes the importance of repairing the harm caused by one's actions and restoring a sense of balance or purity. In some traditions, expiation may also involve rituals or offerings intended to appease deities or spiritual forces.
Synonyms
amends, atonement, redemption, reparation.
Examples of usage
- He sought expiation for his past mistakes.
- The ritual was an act of expiation for the community's sins.
- Her volunteering was seen as a form of expiation.
- He believed that expiation could bring him peace.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Religion
- Many religions include practices of expiation, such as confessing sins and performing rituals to cleanse oneself.
- In Christianity, baptism is often viewed as a form of expiation, washing away past sins.
- The Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, is a significant time for expiation, where individuals seek forgiveness from God and others.
Literature
- In literature, characters often seek expiation for their actions, reflecting the moral complexities of human behavior.
- Famous works, such as 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky, explore themes of guilt and redemption related to expiation.
- Many classic stories incorporate the idea of making amends, such as in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', where the protagonist grapples with his remorse.
Psychology
- Psychologically, expiation can lead to feelings of relief and closure after addressing guilt or remorse.
- The theory of cognitive dissonance suggests that when people do something wrong, they are motivated to alleviate the discomfort by seeking expiation.
- Therapeutic practices often encourage individuals to confront their actions and make amends, promoting mental well-being.
Pop Culture
- Many films and TV shows revolve around characters needing to atone for their past mistakes, highlighting the cultural importance of expiation.
- In modern discourse, 'making amendsโ has become a widely relatable theme that resonates with audiences, often depicted in character arcs in popular media.
- Celebrities sometimes publicly seek expiation to regain public trust after scandals, showing its relevance in contemporary society.
Origin of 'expiation'
Main points about word origin
- The word derives from the Latin 'expiatio', meaning 'to atone' or 'to remove a consequence'.
- It combines 'ex-' (out of) and 'piar' (to appease), which gives the meaning of seeking forgiveness or making amends.
- The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, showcasing a long history of moral and ethical considerations in language.
The term expiation originates from the Latin word 'expiatio', which is derived from 'expiฤre', meaning 'to atone for'. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' and 'piฤre' means 'to appease' or 'to expiate'. In ancient cultures, rituals and sacrifices were often performed to expiate sins or offenses against the divine. Throughout history, the concept has been crucial in various religious texts and teachings, emphasizing the necessity of atonement to restore one's relationship with God or the moral order. In modern contexts, it is commonly used in discussions of ethics, law, and personal morality, reflecting the enduring significance of accountability and redemption in human society.