exonerate


Pronunciation key

( ig-zon′ə-rāt′ )

ex•on•er•ate

v.t.. [EXONERATED (-id) EXONERATING, EXONERATES]

[ME exoneraten < L. exoneratus pp. of exonerare to disburden; ex-, out + onerare, to load < onus, oneris, a load, burden].

  1. Originally, to relieve of burden, obligation, responsibility, et cetera. To unload, therefore
  2. To liberate a person from an accusation, blame, charge or the imputation of guilt or a fault. To free, acquit or justify. Discharge a responsibility, duty, obligation, task. To prove and declare one's innocence: exculpate.

Syn. Absolve. Justify.

References

  • The American College Dictionary (Random House) ©1949
  • Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955
  • Webster's Improved Dictionary and Everyday Encyclopedia ©1956
  • Funk and Wagnalls Standard Dictionary, Comprehensive International Edition ©1976
  • The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985

    • Further Reading

  • Exoneration
  • Exonerative
  • Exonerator

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