1. (v. t.) To release from obligation or guilt; to pronounce free; as, to absolve an offender\, which amounts to an acquittal and remission of his punishment.

2. (v. t.) To free from a penalty; to pardon; to remit (a sin); -- said of the sin or guilt.

3. (v. t.) To finish; to accomplish.

4. (v. t.) To resolve or explain.

acquit administer absolution administer extreme unction amnesty cancel clear confess declare a moratorium decontaminate destigmatize discharge dismiss dispense dispense from dispense with except exculpate excuse exempt exempt from exonerate forgive free give absolution give dispensation from grant amnesty to grant forgiveness grant immunity grant remission hear confession justify let go let off make confession nonpros nullify obliterate pardon purge quash the charge receive absolution release relieve remise remit save the necessity set free shrive spare vindicate whitewash wipe out withdraw the charge write off