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