exculpate

Verb

exculpate (third-person singular simple present exculpates, present participle exculpating, simple past and past participle exculpated)

1. To clear of or to free from guilt; exonerate.
   • When one comes to look at subsection 7, it is quite clear that the Court can only allow expenses to a person ordered to attend for examination if in the opinion of the Court he is exculpated from any of the charges made or suggested against him.1896, Edward Manson, J. S. Henderson (editors), Reports of Cases in Bankruptcy and Companies' Winding-Up, Volume 3, Sweet & Maxwell, page 72
   • The inquest on keeper Davidson was duly held, and at the commencement seemed likely to cause Tony Palliser less anxiety than he had expected. Northrop knew all about Tony's flirtation with Lucy Davidson, but it also knew a good deal more about that lady than Tony did, and exculpated him.1907 January, Harold Bindloss, chapter 4, in The Dust of Conflict, 1st Canadian edition, Toronto, Ont.: McLeod & Allen, →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   absolve, acquit, disculpate, exonerate, pardon, acquittance, assoil, assoilzie, clear, disculp

   Antonyms:

   blame, condemn, incriminate, inculpate, indict, accuse, atwite, bumble, challenge, cop out