1. (v. t.) To hear or receive the confession of; to administer confession and absolution to; -- said of a priest as the agent.

2. (v. t.) To confess, and receive absolution; -- used reflexively.

3. (v. i.) To receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession and absolution.

absolve acquit administer absolution administer extreme unction amnesty clear confess decontaminate destigmatize discharge dismiss dispense from exculpate excuse exempt exempt from exonerate forgive free give absolution grant amnesty to grant forgiveness grant immunity grant remission hear confession justify let go let off make confession nonpros pardon purge quash the charge receive absolution release remit set free spare vindicate whitewash withdraw the charge