Shrive

Quick meaning: Shrive is a verb meaning (religion, transitive and intransitive) To hear or receive a confession (of sins etc.).

Meaning

(religion, transitive and intransitive) To hear or receive a confession (of sins etc.).

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To free from guilt, to absolve.
2. (religion, transitive) To prescribe penance or absolution.
3. (religion, intransitive or reflexive) To confess, and receive absolution.

Example Sentences

Doubtless he shrives this woman, […] / Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech.

c. 1798-1845, unknown author, The Croppy Boy 'Twas a good thought, boy, to come here and shrive.

I will not madly deem that power Of Earth may shrive me of the sin Unearthly pride hath revell’d in— […]

If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me.

Word Forms

• shrives
• shriving
• shrove
• shrived
• shriven
• shrieve

Synonyms for shrive

Depending on context, synonyms include squeal, confess.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include confess, squeal, pardon, confesse, confide, reconfess.

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