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

But his feeble attempts at exculpation were not working.

From The Guardian • Oct. 20, 2018

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

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2016

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

From Newsweek

"Nothing could make me accept of such an exculpation," said I, resolutely; "and were it offered in spite of me, I 'll plead guilty to the whole act, and suffer with the rest."

From Tom Burke Of "Ours", Volume I by Lever, Charles James