GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Absolve , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Absolved ; p. pr. & vb. n. Absolving.] [L. absolvere to set free, to absolve; ab + solvere to loose. See Assoil, Solve.]
   To set free, or release, as from some obligation, debt, or responsibility, or from the consequences of guilt or such ties as it would be sin or guilt to violate; to pronounce free; as, to absolve a subject from his allegiance; to absolve an offender, which amounts to an acquittal and remission of his punishment.
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   Halifax was absolved by a majority of fourteen.
   Macaulay.
   
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   To free from a penalty; to pardon; to remit (a sin); -- said of the sin or guilt.
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   In his name I absolve your perjury.
   Gibbon.
   
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   To finish; to accomplish. [Obs.]
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   The work begun, how soon absolved.
   Milton.
   
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   To resolve or explain. [Obs.] “We shall not absolve the doubt.” 
   Sir T. Browne.
   
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   Syn. -- To Absolve, Exonerate, Acquit.  We speak of a man as absolved from something that binds his conscience, or involves the charge of wrongdoing; as, to absolve from allegiance or from the obligation of an oath, or a promise. We speak of a person as exonerated, when he is released from some burden which had rested upon him; as, to exonerate from suspicion, to exonerate from blame or odium. It implies a purely moral acquittal. We speak of a person as acquitted, when a decision has been made in his favor with reference to a specific charge, either by a jury or by disinterested persons; as, he was acquitted of all participation in the crime.
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