absolves
Frees from blame
Absolves is the present-tense form of absolve, meaning to clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility.
A jury absolves a defendant by finding them not guilty.
In religious contexts, a priest absolves sins through confession.
More loosely, circumstances can absolve someone: The new evidence absolves her of any wrongdoing.
To absolve can also mean to release from an obligation or promise.
Recovery or moral restoration
- atonementCompensation for wrongdoing
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- graceEffortless beauty of motion
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
remission · reconciliation · contrition · repentance · penance · confession · compassion · understanding
Formal clearing of charges
- exonerationOfficial clearing of blame
- vindicationClearance of blame
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
amnesty · reprieve · commutation · pardon · clemency · leniency · innocence · dismissal
Release from constraint
- unburdeningRelieving oneself of weight
- reliefEasing of distress
- freeingReleasing from confinement
- cleansingRemoving dirt or toxins
purification · catharsis · letting go · conscience · responsibility · obligation · duty · accountability
redemption
Recovery or moral restoration
- atonementCompensation for wrongdoing
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- graceEffortless beauty of motion
pardon · remission · reconciliation · contrition · repentance · penance · confession · compassion · understanding · empathy
acquittal
Formal clearing of charges
- exonerationOfficial clearing of blame
- vindicationClearance of blame
- clearancePermitted passage or approval
discharge · amnesty · reprieve · commutation · pardon · clemency · leniency · innocence · dismissal · release
liberation
Release from constraint
- unburdeningRelieving oneself of weight
- reliefEasing of distress
- freeingReleasing from confinement
cleansing · purification · catharsis · letting go · conscience · responsibility · obligation · duty · accountability · burden