Expiation

Expiation refers to the act of making amends or atonement for a wrong, sin, or transgression. It involves a process, often through suffering or a sacrifice, to remove guilt and restore a state of purity or reconciliation. The concept is deeply rooted in religious and moral contexts, signifying the effort to appease a higher power or society and regain favor after committing an offense. This can involve performing rituals, offering compensation, or undergoing penitence to repair the damage caused and achieve forgiveness.

Expiation meaning with examples

• After the scandal, the politician devoted himself to extensive charity work, believing it was the only way to offer expiation for his misdeeds and regain the trust of the public. He understood that mere apologies would not suffice, but actions to help those he had wronged and to do good would hopefully lead to a complete restoration.
• In many cultures, the annual Day of Atonement is a solemn occasion for expiation, where individuals collectively seek forgiveness for their sins and strive to renew their relationship with God. The day is often marked by fasting, prayer, and introspection, focusing on remorse and setting intentions for better conduct in the future.
• The ancient tribe believed that a ritualistic sacrifice was required for the expiation of the crimes committed against the environment and to appease the offended forest spirits. The specific offering was meant to symbolically cleanse the community and ensure continued harmony between the people and nature.
• The criminal, upon realizing the gravity of his actions, sought expiation by actively participating in restorative justice programs and making amends to the victims of his crimes. He desired not only to serve his time but also to contribute in concrete terms to repair the damage he had caused and promote healing.