Main Entry: ex·on·er·ate

Pronunciation: \ig-ˈzä-nə-ˌrāt, eg-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ex·on·er·at·ed; ex·on·er·at·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin exoneratus, past participle of exonerare to unburden, from ex- + oner-, onus load

Date: 1524

1 : to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship
2 : to clear from accusation or blame

synonyms see exculpate

— ex·on·er·a·tion \-ˌzä-nə-ˈrā-shən\ noun

— ex·on·er·a·tive \-ˈzä-nə-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective