The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CLEANSE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
L
E
A
N
S
E
More clues leading to the result CLEANSE
- Remove sin from learner Seneca corrupted
- Absolve Gaunt beginning to suffer in church
- Free from sin, is inclined to enter church
- Lists church houses free of sin
- Canned eels can have a purifying effect
- . Sanitise lists held by church
- . Prefers to be in church to carry out absolution
- Has an inclination to enter church free from sin
- Wash poor saint found in church
- Purge of Sophoclean sensibilities
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Absolve" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case absolve = cleanse.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CLEANSE mean?
CLEANSE noun- An act of cleansing; a purification.
- To free from dirt; to clean, to purify.
- To spiritually purify; to free from guilt or sin; to purge.