exculpation

American  

[ek-skuhl-pey-shuhn] / ˌɛk skʌlˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. clearance from a charge of guilt or fault; vindication.

   A biological or environmental explanation for a criminal act does not translate into exculpation of the individual.

2. legal protection from charges of guilt or fault.

   Each commissioner and officer shall be entitled to exculpation from liability and to indemnification by the District to the extent set forth in the Act.

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Other Word Forms

• nonexculpation noun
• self-exculpation noun

Etymology

Origin of exculpation

exculp(ate) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

His defenders, meanwhile, seem keen to offer exculpation via diagnosis.

From Slate • Dec. 19, 2019

The testimony and evidence are a pileup of contradictions and self-serving exculpation.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2016

Unfinished Empire: The Global Expansion of Britainby John Darwin This is not because Darwin is out to offer exculpation or vindication – far from it.

From The Guardian • Dec. 28, 2012

I don’t think they knew if this was supposed to be condemnation or exculpation.

From Newsweek

His excuse was that the terrible character of his men compelled him to act as he did; and the duke admitted the exculpation, being fain to overlook outrages which he could neither prevent nor punish.”

From The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism. Volume 1 by Whymper, Frederick