exculpate
ex.cul.pate \'ek-(.)sk*l-.pa-t, ek-'sk*l-\ \.ek-(.)sk*l-'pa--sh*n\ vt
[(assumed) ML exculpatus, pp. of exculpare, fr. L ex + cul]pa blame : to
clear from alleged fault or guilt CULPATE implies a clearing from blame or
fault often in a matter of small importance; ABSOLVE implies a release
either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the
consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin; EXONERATE implies a
complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant
suspicion of blame or guilt; ACQUIT implies a formal decision in one's
favor with respect to a definite charge; VINDICATE may refer to things as
well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation
of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving
the unfairness of such criticism or blame - ex.cul.pa.tion n SYN syn
ABSOLVE, EXONERATE, ACQUIT, VINDICATE: EX