expiatory

adjective
UK: /ɪkˈspaɪətəri/
US: /ɪkˈspaɪətɔːri/

  1. Serving to make amends or atone for guilt or wrongdoing; having the power to purify or cleanse.

    1. The ritual was meant to be an expiatory act for the tribe's transgressions.
    2. He offered an expiatory sacrifice hoping it would bring him forgiveness and peace.

  2. Relating to, or having the character of atonement, penance or reconciliation for an offense.

    1. The donation served as an expiatory offering to the damaged community.
    2. Her volunteer work was an expiatory measure to alleviate her guilty conscience.

Synonyms

redemptive propitiatory

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "expiatory" in English means: Serving to make amends or atone for guilt or wrongdoing; having the power to purify or cleanse., Relating to, or having the character of atonement, penance or reconciliation for an offense..

The phonetic transcription of "expiatory" is /ɪkˈspaɪətəri/ in British English and /ɪkˈspaɪətɔːri/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "expiatory": redemptive, propitiatory.

Example usage of "expiatory": "The ritual was meant to be an expiatory act for the tribe's transgressions.". More examples on the page.