Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
shrive
verb
/ʃraɪv/
Definition
To administer the sacrament of confession to someone, granting absolution from sin after a confession.
Examples
- After the long journey, the weary traveler found a priest to shrive him.
- In medieval times, people would often shrive before facing judgment.
- It’s important to shrive one’s sins to achieve spiritual peace.
Meaning
In a religious context, to shrive means to hear someone’s confession and offer forgiveness. It can also mean to confess to a priest and receive absolution.
Synonyms
- absolve
- forgive
- pardon
- excuse
