Definition of "absolve" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.).

   • You will absolve a subject from his allegiance.

2. (transitive, obsolete) To resolve; to explain; to solve.

   • 1595, George Peele, The Old Wives’ Tale, The Malone Society Reprints, 1908, lines 331-332, […] he that can monsters tame, laboures atchive, riddles absolve […]

3. (transitive) To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, or guilt.

4. (transitive, law) To pronounce not guilty; to grant a pardon for.

5. (transitive, theology) To grant a remission of sin; to give absolution to.

6. (transitive, theology) To remit a sin; to give absolution for a sin.

7. (transitive, obsolete) To finish; to accomplish.

8. (transitive) To pass a course or test; to gain credit for a class; to qualify academically.