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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.

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