absolution

noun

1. act of absolving; a freeing from blame or guilt; release from consequences, obligations, or penalties.
2. state of being absolved.
3. Roman Catholic Theology.
   1. a remission of sin or of the punishment for sin, made by a priest in the sacrament of penance on the ground of authority received from Christ.
   2. the formula declaring such remission.
4. Protestant Theology. a declaration or assurance of divine forgiveness to penitent believers, made after confession of sins.

noun

1. the act of absolving or the state of being absolved; release from guilt, obligation, or punishment
2. Christianity
   1. a formal remission of sin pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance
   2. the prescribed form of words granting such a remission

n.

“remission, forgiveness,” c.1200, from Old French absolucion, earlier assolucion, from Latin absolutionem (nominative absolutio) “completion, acquittal,” noun of action from past participle stem of absolvere “to absolve” (see absolve). Originally of sins; in general use from c.1400.