CultureSeptember 4, 2026
expiation
ek-spee-AY-shun
Definition
The act of making amends or atoning for guilt or wrongdoing.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'expiatio', meaning 'to make amends' or 'to purify'. It entered English in the 16th century via the French language.
In the news
The article describes the filmmaker Paul Schrader as having matters of expiation on his mind, highlighting how the protagonist, John, struggles with the heavy burden of his past sins throughout the film.
‘The Basics of Philosophy’ Review: Paul Schrader Does Some Deep — and Discomfiting — Thinking About a College Professor’s Guilt
Read the full article ↗The Hollywood Reporter