exonerate

[ig-zon-uh-reyt]

verb (used with object)

exonerated, exonerating 

1. to clear, as of an accusation; free from guilt or blame; exculpate.

   He was exonerated from the accusation of cheating.

   Synonyms: vindicate
   Antonyms: blame

2. to relieve, as from an obligation, duty, or task.

   Synonyms: free, discharge, release

exonerate

/ ɪɡˈzɒnəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to clear or absolve from blame or a criminal charge

2. to relieve from an obligation or task; exempt

Other Word Forms

• exoneration noun
• exonerative adjective
• exonerator noun
• unexonerative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exonerate¹

First recorded in 1515–25; late Middle English, from Latin exonerātus (past participle of exonerāre “to unburden, discharge”), equivalent to ex- “out of, from; thoroughly” + oner- (stem of onus ) “a burden” + -ātus past participle suffix; ex- ¹, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of exonerate¹

C16: from Latin exonerāre to free from a burden, from onus a burden

Synonym Study

See absolve.

Example Sentences

The effort to exonerate him was led in part by the Los Angeles Innocence Project and the California Forensic Science Institute at Cal State LA.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The toxicology screen had “completely exonerated” Cervantes, the filing said, but the police department had already “released false information to the press claiming that Senator Cervantes had driven while under the influence of drugs.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Four federal investigations and a grand jury probe later, Baltimore’s colleague, and Baltimore himself, were exonerated.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The decision pays off in the film’s third act, when Matthew is exonerated in the court of the public and receives the adoration he’s been trying to leech from Oliver.

Read more on Salon

Sturgeon, who will stand down as an MSP next year, also points out that she was exonerated by police investigating the finances of the SNP in an inquiry which is codenamed Operation Branchform.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• absolve 
• acquit 
• discharge 
• dismiss 
• exempt 
• justify 
• pardon 
• vindicate