View synonyms for shrive

shrive

[ shrahyv ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

, shrove or shrived, shriv·en or shrived, shriv·ing.

to impose penance on (a sinner).
to grant absolution to (a penitent).
to hear the confession of (a person).

verb (used without object)

, Archaic.

, shrove or shrived, shriv·en or shrived, shriv·ing.

to hear confessions.
to go to or make confession; confess one's sins, as to a priest.

shrive

/ ʃraɪv /

verb

to hear the confession of (a penitent)
tr to impose a penance upon (a penitent) and grant him sacramental absolution
intr to confess one's sins to a priest in order to obtain sacramental forgiveness

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Derived Forms

ˈshriver, noun

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Other Words From

un·shrived adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of shrive¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English shriven, schrifen, Old English scrīfan “to prescribe, impose a penance on (a penitent),” cognate with German schreiben “to write,” ultimately from Latin scrībere “to write, draw”; scribe ¹

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Word History and Origins

Origin of shrive¹

Old English scrīfan, from Latin scrībere to write

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Example Sentences

Two Dominicans, sent for to shrive the victim, implored the Count to pause; but 'Kill him, kill him!

From Project Gutenberg

"It is not given a priest of God to shrive an unrepentant harlot," was his impetuous answer.

From Project Gutenberg

The lawyers came and took her depositions; the priests, also, to shrive her soul.

From Project Gutenberg

At last Don John received his marching orders, and after that, it was but a short shrive that the Moriscos had to expect.

From Project Gutenberg

"If it might be permitted I would dearly love to shrive them," said the palmer, still hesitating.

From Project Gutenberg

shrink-wrap shrivel

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