Words / A / Law

absolve

/əbˈzɒlv/

B2CEFR level
50/100Rarity: uncommon
TechnicalRegister

Law verb

To declare someone free from guilt or liability.

The jury's verdict absolved her of any part in the conspiracy.

Similar: acquit, exonerate, clear

Topic: Criminal law in Legal English

Business verb

To release someone from blame, obligation, or responsibility.

The waiver purported to absolve the vendor of any liability for consequential losses.

Similar: exonerate, exculpate, discharge

Topic: Negotiation in Business English

Rarity runs from 0 (a word everyone knows) to 100 (almost never seen outside specialist or literary writing). Level is the word's real difficulty on the CEFR scale, from A1 to C2.

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More law words: Criminal law