EXPIATION

expiation, atonement, propitiation

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

atonement, expiation, satisfaction

(noun) compensation for a wrong; “we were unable to get satisfaction from the local store”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Noun

expiation (countable and uncountable, plural expiations)

An act of atonement for a sin or wrongdoing.

Synonyms: atonement, propitiation

(obsolete) The act of expiating or stripping off.

Synonyms: plunder, pillage

Source: Wiktionary

---

Ex`pi*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. expiatio: cf.F. expiation]

1. The act of making satisfaction or atonement for any crime or fault; the extinguishing of guilt by suffering or penalty. His liberality seemed to have something in it of self-abasement and expiation. W. Irving.

2. The means by which reparation or atonement for crimes or sins is made; an expiatory sacrifice or offering; an atonement. Those shadowy expiations weak, The blood of bulls and goats. Milton.

3. An act by which the treats of prodigies were averted among the ancient heathen. [Obs.] Hayward.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---