expiate
verb
To atone for guilt or wrongdoing; to make amends or reparation for something. Often involves accepting punishment or doing penance.
Etymology
From Latin "expiatus," past participle of "expiare" (to make amends), from "ex" (out) + "piare" (to appease), from "pius" (pious, dutiful).
Examples in Use
- 1.
"He spent years trying to expiate his youthful mistakes."
- 2.
"The donation was meant to expiate corporate guilt."
- 3.
"Some crimes can never be fully expiated."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Scapegoat rituals in ancient cultures involved expiation—transferring community sins to an animal or person who was then sacrificed or banished. This practice appears across many unconnected civilizations.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 7 letters (E, X, P, I, A, T, E)
Scrabble Value: 16 points
Tip: Try building from common prefixes or suffixes when you spot these letters.
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