exonerate
ig-ZON-uh-reyt
/ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt/
To absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of the case.
It is stronger than 'acquit'; it implies that the person is actually innocent, not just that there wasn't enough evidence to convict.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'ex' (out) and 'onus' (burden). To exonerate someone is to literally lift the 'onus' or heavy weight of guilt off their shoulders, leaving them light and free.
Word relationships
- exculpate: Exculpate is a more technical legal term; exonerate is more common in general formal writing.
- acquit: Acquit means a jury found you 'not guilty', but exonerate means you have been proven innocent.
- incriminate: To make someone appear guilty of a crime.
- convict: To officially declare someone guilty in a court of law.
Word family
- exoneration (noun): The action of officially absolving someone from blame.
Collocations
- fully exonerate
- exonerate from blame
- seek to exonerate
Example sentences
- "The new DNA evidence will exonerate the prisoner who has been in jail for twenty years." The impact of DNA technology.
- "The inquiry was able to exonerate the pilot from any responsibility for the crash." Official report findings.
Memory hook
EX-ONER-ate: The 'ONUS' (burden) is 'EX' (out/gone). Unburdened from guilt.
When not to use
Do not use for minor mistakes; it is usually reserved for serious legal or moral accusations.
Fun facts
- The Innocence Project has used forensic DNA testing to exonerate over 375 people in the United States who were wrongly convicted.
Related words
Explore more words
exoneration, acquit, vindicate, vindication, expunge, expiate
Also appears in
- Communication → Apologies & Forgiveness
- Leadership → Responsibility & Accountability
- Conflict → Accusation & Defense
- Law → Prosecution & Defense
- Law → Verdicts, Sentencing & Punishment
- Law → Prisons & Rehabilitation
- Law → Clemency, Pardons & Parole
- Criminology, Law Enforcement & Penal Systems → Capital & Corporal Punishment
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