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exonerate

ig-ZON-uh-reyt /ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt/

verbC1GRESATTOEFLIELTS

legalprofessionaljournalistic

To officially absolve someone from blame; to clear of an accusation or charge.

Implies a complete and formal clearing of one's name, often after a thorough investigation or trial.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 'exoneratus', past participle of 'exonerare', which literally means 'to unload a beast of burden.' It is formed from 'ex-' (out, off) and 'onus' (burden). Over time, the physical act of unloading cargo became the metaphorical act of lifting the heavy burden of blame from a person.

Word relationships

acquit: Acquit is a specific legal verdict meaning 'not guilty in a court of law,' while exonerate is broader and means to be cleared of blame in the eyes of the public or an investigation.
vindicate: Vindicate means to prove someone was right or justified in their actions, whereas exonerate simply means clearing them of wrongdoing.

convict: To formally declare someone guilty of a criminal offense.
incriminate: To make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.

Commonly confused with

excuse: To excuse is to overlook a minor fault or let someone off easily; to exonerate is to prove that they did nothing wrong in the first place.

Word family

exoneration (noun): The action of officially absolving someone from blame.
exonerative (adjective): Tending to exonerate or clear of blame.

Collocations

completely exonerate
exonerate from blame
seek to exonerate

Idioms & expressions

clear one's name

Example sentences

"The newly discovered DNA evidence was enough to completely exonerate the wrongfully convicted man." Criminal Justice
"An independent audit exonerated the CFO of any involvement in the accounting discrepancies." Corporate Scandal

Memory hook

Think of 'ex-' (exit) and 'onus' (burden). You are making the burden 'exit' the person's life. Make the burden (onus) exit (ex-) to exonerate.

When not to use

Do not use when someone is simply forgiven for a minor personal slight; it requires a formal context of accusation.

Fun facts

The word was originally used in English in the 15th century to describe literally unloading a ship or cart before it took on its modern legal meaning.