exonerate

American  

[ig-zon-uh-reyt] / ɪgˈzɒn əˌreɪt /

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

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exonerate British  

/ ɪɡˈzɒnəˌreɪt /

verb

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

2. to relieve from an obligation or task; exempt

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Related Words

See absolve.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of exonerate

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

Example Sentences

Nunez’s attorneys, Deputy Federal Public Defenders Rebecca Harris and David Menninger, said they were pleased the jury exonerated their client.

From Los Angeles Times

"Their arrest, prosecution and conviction for harassment were an egregious affront on those rights and they are delighted to have finally been exonerated."

From BBC

Only in 1906, after many twists, did the high court of appeal overturn the original verdict, exonerating Dreyfus.

From Barron's

"We are confident that when the facts come out, the Prince Group and its Chairman will be fully exonerated."

From Barron's

Even if the innocent are exonerated, the process is the punishment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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