expiate
Pronunciation
Verb
C2 Mastery
Quick answer
To make amends for a wrongdoing.
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms
atone for
make amends for
Usage notes
A formal, somewhat literary word; "atone for" is the more common equivalent.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "He spent years trying to _____ his youthful mistakes."
Answer: expiate
In your own words, what does "expiate" mean?
To make amends for a wrongdoing.
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