Expiate

/ˈɛk.spi.eɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to make amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing; to atone.

He sought to expiate his past mistakes by volunteering for community service.

to help remove or cleanse the guilt associated with a sin or transgression.

The penitent wished to expiate his sins through prayer and good deeds.

to extinguish the guilt incurred by a wrongdoing.

The ritual was intended to expiate the wrongdoings of the community.

to make amends or reconciliation, especially through suffering.

She felt that giving back to the community was a way to expiate for her earlier selfish behavior.

From Latin 'expiatus', past participle of 'expiāre' meaning to atone, appease.

expiate one's sins

To make amends for one's wrongdoing or moral failings.

expiate guilt

To atone for feelings of guilt through actions or remorse.

atonement

The action of making amends for a wrong.

redemption

The act of reclaiming or atoning for a fault.