Definition

A person who frees someone from blame or responsibility, often in a formal or religious context.

Example

The priest acted as an absolver, granting forgiveness to the penitent.

Conversation

I was reading about the concept of an absolver in philosophy.

Oh really? What does that mean?

It's someone who helps others find forgiveness or release from guilt.

That sounds interesting! We could all use an absolver sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Absolver is formed from "ab-" (meaning away) and "solvere" (meaning to loosen or free). The word describes the act of freeing someone from blame or guilt, essentially letting them go from a burden.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'loosening' ('solvere') the ties of blame 'away' ('ab-') from another person — that's why absolver means to free someone from guilt.

Visually Confused Words