Expiate is defined as to atone or make amends for a wrong or offense by an act of satisfaction or reparation, typically voluntary. It can also mean to rid of guilt or blame by making amends or by suffering a penalty for an offense.
Essentially, expiate is a verb that means to make up for and/or atone for a wrongdoing, usually through suffering or the payment of penance. Expiation is the process of expiating, while an expiator is someone who expiates or makes amends for a wrongdoing.
What does the word expiate meaning?
Expiate means to make amends for an offense or wrong, especially by doing something that shows reparation or retribution. It can also mean to make atonement for a sin or wrongdoing and to gain redemption from guilt or pain.
Ultimately, expiation is an act of self-sacrifice meant to show regret and repentance. This can take the form of an apology, a demonstration of good deeds, an offering of recompense, or an act of penance.
In some cases, it can even be a matter of self-sacrifice, as in the case of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross to atone for the sins of mankind.
What is expiation or Atonement in justification of punishment?
Expiation or Atonement is the concept of making amends or compensation for a wrong or misdeed. It is often seen in the context of justice and punishment that was inflicted by the wrongdoer. Expiation is important in providing a sense of fairness, closure and emotional satisfaction on the part of the victim and society as a whole.
One example of expiation or atonement in the context of punishment is the widely practiced tradition of restitution. Restitution, or the act of repayments, involves the payment of a certain amount of money by the wrongdoer to the victim as compensation for an injury suffered or loss.
This serves to make good or repair the harm or wrong that was done and ensure a fair balance is achieved between the two parties.
Expiations or atonement also frequently take the form of community service. This involves the wrongdoer being required to perform a certain service, such as manual labor or educational programs, in order to make up for the offense committed and ultimately rectify the relationship between the wrongdoer and society.
Expiation or atonement helps to bring a sense of balance, fairness, and justice to the wrong that has been done and can give victims some peace of mind. It is an important component of ensuring public safety and upholding societal values.
What is another word for propitiation?
Another word for propitiation is atonement. Propitiation is the act of turning away wrath or appease a deity, while atonement is the act of making amends and reparation. Both words express the idea of making peace with God, either through repentance or by offering a sacrifice.
How do you use the word expiate?
The word ‘expiate,’ can be used to refer to an act or to an action that is meant to make up for a wrong that was done. It is often used to refer to a situation in which someone’s guilt is taken away, either through a sacrifice or through some other form of reparation.
One example of using the word ‘expiate’ is in the context of a religious ritual. For example, in Judaism there is a ritual known as kaparot in which a chicken is sacrificed and the sins of the crowd are transferred from them onto the chicken.
In this sense, the chicken is expiating the sins of the people.
Another common use of ‘expiate’ is when someone seeks to make up for a wrong they have done by performing an action. This could involve acts of charity, or any other act aimed at benefitting others in some way.
By performing these acts, the person hopes to expiate the wrong they have done and to lift the guilt they feel through their actions.
Expiate can also be used to refer to the act of apologizing for a wrong. When a person apologizes for their mistake, in a very real sense they are attempting to expiate the wrong they have done – to restore the relationship and to make up for the bad things that have been said or done.
Overall, the use of the term ‘expiate’ is very common in religious contexts, and is also frequently used to refer to the act of attempting to make up for a wrong. Whether through a sacrifice, or through other means, the act of expiating can be seen as an attempt at restoring balance and seeking forgiveness for a misdeed.