“Godzilla has long been seen as a symbolic representation of the nuclear devastation that Japan suffered, and that theme is evident here as well. But Godzilla Minus One adds a more personal dimension in the form of Koichi’s lingering trauma; the only way he thinks he’ll be able to expiate [ˈɛkspiˌeɪt] his guilt is by destroying the monster.” — Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Dec. 2023

expiate
verb

formal word that typically means “to atone or make amends for something, such as a sin or offense.”

from the Latin verb expiare (“to atone for”), a combination of ex- and piare, which itself means “to atone for” as well as “to appease.” (Piare comes from pius, meaning “faithful, pious.”)

English