exculpation

American  

[ek-skuhl-pay-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

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Etymology

Origin of exculpation

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

exculpation

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

From Slate ● Dec. 19, 2019

It was not sworn testimony, but an autobiography with all the self-flattery and exculpation associated with that genre.

From The Guardian ● Apr. 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

He vainly tried his skill at exculpation with the king.

From Mexico, Aztec, Spanish and Republican Vol. 1 of 2 A Historical, Geographical, Political, Statistical and Social Account of That Country From the Period of the Invasion by the Spaniards to the Present Time; With a View of the Ancient Aztec Empire and Civilization; A Historical Sketch of the Late War; And Notices of New Mexico and California by Brantz Mayer

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