expiation
Definitions of expiation
-
remorse for your past conduct
-
voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for some wrongdoingsynonyms: humiliation volontaire
-
a Catholic sacrament; repentance and confession and atonement and absolutiontypes:aveu, confession de ses fautes(Roman Catholic Church) the act of a penitent disclosing his sinfulness before a priest in the sacrament of penance in the hope of absolutiontype of:sacrementa formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it; the two Protestant ceremonies are baptism and the Lord's Supper; in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church there are seven traditional rites accepted as instituted by Jesus: baptism and confirmation and Holy Eucharist and penance and holy orders and matrimony and extreme unction
-
compensation for a wrongsynonyms: réparation, satisfaction
-
the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity)
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
- MLA
- APA
- Chicago
Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘expiation'.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
Send us feedback
Word Family
Vocabulary lists containing expiation
The Scarlet Letter
After having a child out of wedlock, Hester Prynne is shunned by her Puritan community and forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her clothing — but Hester is not the only one who has transgressed. This classic novel explores guilt, sin, and hypocrisy.
Oedipus the King
When a plague ravages the city of Thebes, Oedipus hears a prophecy that begins to unravel everything he thought was true.
A Tale of Two Cities
Set in both London and Paris, this novel brings the French Revolution vividly to life.