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exculpateOne entry found. Main Entry: ex·cul·pate Pronunciation: \ˈek-(ˌ)skəl-ˌpāt, (ˌ)ek-ˈ\ Function: transitive verb Inflected Form(s): ex·cul·pat·ed; ex·cul·pat·ing Etymology: Medieval Latin exculpatus, past participle of exculpare, from Latin ex- + culpa blame Date: circa 1681 : to clear from alleged fault or guilt — ex·cul·pa·tion \ˌek-(ˌ)skəl-ˈpā-shən\ noun synonyms exculpate, absolve, exonerate, acquit, vindicate mean to free from a charge. exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance <exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm>. absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin <cannot be absolved of blame>. exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt <exonerated by the investigation>. acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge <voted to acquit the defendant>. 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 <her judgment was vindicated>.
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