Piaculum is a Latin word that refers to an offering made to appease the gods or to expiate a sin. It is a concept that was central to the ancient Roman way of life and culture. Synonyms for piaculum include sacrifice, offering, atonement, expiation, propitiation, and penance. These words all share the same idea of making amends for wrongdoing or seeking forgiveness from a higher power. In modern times, these words are often used in religious contexts, such as in the Catholic Church's practice of confession and penance. However, they can also be used more broadly to describe any effort to make up for a mistake or wrongdoing.