Expiatory is an adjective that describes something relating to or serving the purpose of making amends for a wrongdoing or a sin. It is derived from the word "expiate," which means to atone for, rectify, or make up for a transgression or offense.
In a religious context, expiatory actions or rituals are performed to seek forgiveness from a higher power or to appease divine wrath. These practices often involve acts of penance, self-sacrifice, or offering of prayers or sacrifices, which are believed to have a purifying or cleansing effect on the soul.
The term "expiatory" can also apply to non-religious situations, referring to actions taken to make reparations or pay the penalty for a mistake or a harm caused to someone else. In these cases, it entails acknowledging responsibility, expressing remorse, and taking concrete steps to rectify the situation and compensate those who were affected.
Moreover, "expiatory" can also describe something that serves to pacify, mitigate, or alleviate guilt or negative emotions associated with a wrongdoing, even if no explicit restitution or atonement is involved. For example, an expiatory act might involve a person engaging in community service related to a particular offense, with the intention of offsetting negative feelings and restoring a sense of balance or harmony.
Overall, "expiatory" describes actions, rituals, or events that strive to address and resolve past wrongs through acts of penitence, restitution, or reconciliation, whether in a religious or secular context.
