absolve
ub-ZOLVverbMeaning to free someone from guilt, blame or a duty
Memory hook AB-SOLVE: SOLVED and set free. Pip breaks Grandma’s teacup and expects a scolding, but she hugs him: “Accidents happen. You’re forgiven.” She absolves him.
Grandma absolved Pip of the broken teacup: “Accidents happen.”
In context The team’s apology did not absolve it of responsibility; the club still had to pay to repair the field it had damaged.
Similar forgive, pardon, clear, release
Opposite blame, condemn, charge
From Latin absolvere, “to set free, loosen”: ab (from) + solvere (to loosen).