expiate


Pronunciation key

( ek′spi-āt′ )

ex•pi•ate

v.t. [EXPIATED (-id) EXPIATING, EXPIATES]

[< L. expiatus pp. of expiare to make satisfaction or atonement; ex-, out + piare, to atone, appease, propriate < pius devout, pious].

  1. To make atonement for, amends or reparation for (wrongdoing or guilt); atone for; pay the penalty.

—ex′pi•a′tor n.

References

  • Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955
  • The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985

    • Further Reading

  • expiable
  • expiation
  • expiator
  • expiatory

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