To formally declare that someone is not guilty or responsible for something; to free someone from blame or obligation.
From Latin 'absolvere' meaning to release or set free, from 'ab-' (away) and 'solvere' (to loosen). The word carries religious connotations from when priests would absolve sins.
The Catholic practice of absolution in confession was designed to be a mental health tool before therapy existed—psychologically, having someone formally declare you forgiven of wrongdoing actually reduces guilt and shame.
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