Absolution Definition & Meaning

"Absolution" generally refers to the act of forgiving or pardoning sins or offenses. It is often used in a religious or moral context. Here are a couple of key meanings:

• Religious Context: In many religious traditions, particularly in Christianity, absolution is a sacrament or ritual through which a priest grants forgiveness to a person for their sins. This forgiveness is seen as a form of spiritual cleansing or reconciliation with the divine.

• General Use: In a broader sense, "absolution" can be used more generally to mean the act of forgiving or pardoning someone for their actions or offenses. This usage may not necessarily involve a religious or sacramental context but can imply a release from guilt or punishment.

Here's an example sentence:

• "After confessing his mistakes and expressing genuine remorse, he felt a sense of absolution from his friends."

In this sentence, "absolution" conveys a figurative sense of forgiveness and relief from guilt.