exonerate
ig-ZON-uh-rayt
/ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt/
To officially absolve someone from blame; to find someone not guilty of a previous charge.
Exonerate is usually used when new evidence (like DNA) comes to light, proving that a person could not have committed the crime.
The story behind the word. Think of a ship being unloaded. 'Ex-' (out) + 'onus' (burden). To exonerate someone was to literally lift the heavy weight of an accusation off their shoulders.
Word relationships
- acquit: Acquit is a legal verdict of 'not guilty'; exonerate is a broader clearing of one's name.
- clear: Clear is a more informal way of saying exonerate.
- convict: To convict is to find someone guilty in a court of law.
Commonly confused with
- exculpate: Exculpate is often used for smaller faults or specific acts; exonerate is for major crimes and official status.
Word family
- exoneration (noun): The action of officialy absolving someone from blame.
Collocations
- fully exonerated
- exonerate from blame
- evidence to exonerate
Example sentences
- "The prisoner was exonerated after DNA evidence proved he was not at the scene." Justice System
- "An internal investigation served to exonerate the pilot of any negligence." Professional Ethics
Memory hook
Ex-Onus: The 'Onus' (burden) is now 'Ex' (gone). Lift the burden of guilt.
When not to use
Do not use if the person was simply found 'not guilty' due to lack of evidence; use 'acquit' instead. Exonerate implies they are truly innocent.
Fun facts
- The word 'onus' is still used in English today to mean a burden or responsibility (e.g., 'the onus is on you').
Explore more words
Also appears in
- Communication → Apologies & Forgiveness
- Leadership → Responsibility & Accountability
- Law → Prosecution & Defense
- Law → Verdicts, Sentencing & Punishment
- Law → Prisons & Rehabilitation
- Law → Clemency, Pardons & Parole
- Criminology, Law Enforcement & Penal Systems → Capital & Corporal Punishment
- Criminology, Law Enforcement & Penal Systems → Forensic Science & Investigation
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