Webster's English Dictionary

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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