The verb absolve originates from Latin (prefix ab- "from" + solvere "loosen") to form absolvere "loosen from", "set free", "acquit"). via the Old French absolvir, and entered English during the Middle English period (1150-1500)..   In the religious sense, to be absolved means to be truly forgiven in the eyes of the Lord, which must feel like being set free. In a more mundane everyday usage, absolve can be used to describe being let off the hook, hence the word absolution.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the verb absolve was first used in English before 1475.  The OED cites its earliest evidence from R. Higden's Polychronicon.  

Examples of the word "absolve" used in a sentence:  
"The jury's verdict of not guilty absolved the defendant of criminal responsibility for the theft." 
"The priest granted the penitent sinner absolution, absolving him from his sins."  
"The court ruling did not absolve the company of its obligation to address the damages caused by the pollution."  
"Admitting her mistake did not absolve her from the consequences, as the damage was already done."  
"She sought to absolve herself of the difficult task by delegating it to her assistant."

Just the facts:

ABSOLVE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

ABSOLVE Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus