EXPIATORY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does expiatory mean? 

• EXPIATORY (adjective)
  The adjective EXPIATORY has 1 sense:

1. having power to atone for or offered by way of expiation or propitiation

  Familiarity information: EXPIATORY used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EXPIATORY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having power to atone for or offered by way of expiation or propitiation

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

expiative; expiatory; propitiatory

Context example:

expiatory (or propitiatory) sacrifice

Pertainym:

expiation (the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity))

Derivation:

expiate (make amends for)