exonerate
UK: ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt | US: ɪɡˈzɑːnəreɪt
vt. to clear from accusation, blame, or guilt
vt. to relieve from a responsibility, duty, or task
exonerate = ex<out of> + oner<burden> + ate<verb suffix>
- ex (Latin: "out of")
- oner (from Latin onus: "burden")
- ate (verb-forming suffix indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word exonerate originates from Latin exoneratus, the past participle of exonerare ("to unburden"). It combines ex- ("out of") and onus ("burden"), reflecting the idea of removing a weight—whether literal (e.g., unloading cargo) or figurative (e.g., absolving guilt). Over time, its meaning narrowed to focus on legal and moral relief from blame or obligation.
The new evidence exonerated the wrongly convicted man after 10 years in prison.
The investigation concluded that the officer should be exonerated of misconduct.
Her alibi fully exonerated her from any involvement in the crime.
The committee voted to exonerate the CEO of financial wrongdoing.
DNA testing has become a powerful tool to exonerate innocent prisoners.