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Shrive: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrive

 

[ʃraɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

religious practice

Shrive means to hear someone's confession and grant absolution. In a more general sense, it refers to the act of freeing oneself from guilt or sin through confession or penance. This term is often used in religious contexts, particularly in Christianity, where it is associated with the sacrament of confession. It emphasizes not only the act of confessing but also the importance of seeking forgiveness and achieving spiritual cleansing.

Synonyms

absolve, forgive, pardon.

Examples of usage

  • The priest will shrive the sinner.
  • They decided to shrive before the feast.
  • He sought to shrive for his past wrongdoings.
Context #2 | Verb

historical context

Historically, to shrive also meant to make a will or settle one’s affairs, particularly before death. This aspect of the word relates to the idea of preparing for the afterlife by ensuring one has confessed their sins and made peace with themselves and others. Although less common today, this usage reflects the importance of accountability and moral rectitude in past societies.

Synonyms

dispose, resolve, settle.

Examples of usage

  • Before his death, he needed to shrive his estate.
  • In ancient times, it was customary to shrive.
  • She planned to shrive her lineage.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'shrive' comes from the Old English 'scrīfan,' meaning 'to assign' or 'to impose a penalty'.
  • Historically, the term has connections to the Latin word 'scribere,' meaning 'to write,' reflecting the act of writing down confessions.
  • The term was primarily used in medieval Christian contexts, emphasizing confession and penance.

Religious Significance

  • In Christianity, 'shrive' is often associated with the sacrament of reconciliation, where sins are confessed and forgiven.
  • During the Middle Ages, priests would 'shrive' the faithful on specific days, which was seen as a way to prepare for important religious festivities.
  • The act of shriving emphasizes the importance of accountability and moral reflection in spiritual practices.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters seeking forgiveness often undergo a process of 'shriving,' leading to redemption arcs.
  • The concept of shriving is explored in various modern films and novels, highlighting the universal need for forgiveness and understanding.
  • Traditional ceremonies in some cultures involve a symbolic act of 'shriving,' promoting communal harmony by addressing wrongdoing.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, the act of confessing and seeking forgiveness can lead to improved mental health by relieving guilt and shame.
  • Therapeutic practices often encourage 'shrive'-like behaviors, allowing individuals to reconcile their actions and emotions.
  • Research indicates that when people forgive themselves or others, it can lead to lower stress levels and better emotional wellbeing.

Literature

  • Shakespeare often employed themes of confession and forgiveness, inviting audiences to reflect on the moral implications of characters' actions.
  • In medieval literature, shriving was a common theme among characters embarking on journeys of self-discovery and religious enlightenment.
  • The concept of shriving is sometimes depicted in poetry, illustrating the struggle for inner peace after transgression.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encolher

🇮🇳 सिकुड़ना

🇩🇪 schrumpfen

🇮🇩 menyusut

🇺🇦 зменшуватися

🇵🇱 kurczyć

🇯🇵 しぼむ

🇫🇷 rétrécir

🇪🇸 encoger

🇹🇷 küçülmek

🇰🇷 줄어들다

🇸🇦 يقلص

🇨🇿 zmenšit

🇸🇰 zmenšiť

🇨🇳 收缩

🇸🇮 smanjšati

🇮🇸 draga

🇰🇿 кешіру

🇬🇪 დამცირება

🇦🇿 kiçiltmək

🇲🇽 encoger

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,153, 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.