expier
atone for, expiate
verb eks-PYEH Rare
Origin: Latin expiare, to make amends
Usage Note
Expier carries a strong moral or religious weight — one expie a sin, a crime, or a past wrong, often through suffering or punishment. It is more formal and literary than compenser. The noun is l'expiation.
Examples
"Il cherche à expier ses fautes passées."
Natural Translation
He seeks to atone for his past wrongs.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
6 min read