absolution

UK: /ˌæbsəˈluːʃ^ən/ US: /ˌæbsəˈluʃən/ ,(ab′sə lo̅o̅′shən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ab•so•lu•tion /ˌæbsəˈluʃən/   n. [uncountable]

1. Religion an act or instance of absolving, esp. the remission of sin given by a priest in the sacrament of reconciliation. See -solv-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ab•so•lu•tion  (ab′sə lo̅o̅′shən), n. 

1. act of absolving;
   a freeing from blame or guilt;
   release from consequences, obligations, or penalties.
2. state of being absolved.
3. [Rom. Cath. Theol.]
   • a remission of sin or of the punishment for sin, made by a priest in the sacrament of penance on the ground of authority received from Christ.
   • the formula declaring such remission.
4. [Prot. Theol.] a declaration or assurance of divine forgiveness to penitent believers, made after confession of sins.

• Latin absolūtiōn- (stem of absolūtiō) acquittal. See absolute, -ion
• Middle English absolucion 1175–1225

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

absolution / ˌæbsəˈluːʃən/ noun

1. the act of absolving or the state of being absolved; release from guilt, obligation, or punishment
2. a formal remission of sin pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance
3. the prescribed form of words granting such a remission

Etymology: 12th Century: from Latin absolūtiōn- acquittal, forgiveness of sins, from absolvere to absolve