exoneration
ig-zon-uh-RAY-shun
/ɪɡˌzɒnəˈreɪʃn/
The action of officially absolving someone from blame; vindication.
Exoneration is the ultimate 'get out of jail free' card; it means you have been completely cleared of all charges.
The story behind the word. From 'exonerare', meaning 'to unburden'. If you are exonerated, the 'onus' or heavy weight of the accusation is lifted off your shoulders.
Word relationships
- acquittal: An acquittal is a legal 'not guilty' verdict; exoneration is a broader term for being cleared of blame entirely.
- conviction: A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.
Commonly confused with
- vindication: Vindication can be about opinions or actions; exoneration is almost always about crimes or official accusations.
Word family
- exonerate (verb): To absolve from blame.
Collocations
- full exoneration
- seek exoneration
- evidence for exoneration
Example sentences
- "After twenty years in prison, the DNA results finally led to his full exoneration." A news report about a prisoner released after DNA evidence.
- "The internal investigation resulted in the complete exoneration of the board members." A formal statement from a committee.
Memory hook
Ex-onus-ation: Getting the 'onus' (burden) 'ex' (out/off) of you. Lifting the burden of guilt.
When not to use
Do not use 'exoneration' if someone is found 'not guilty' due to a technicality; it usually implies they are actually 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').
Related words
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