exculpate
To clear from blame or accusation of wrongdoing
Examples
In a meeting
“The audit findings exculpate the finance team from any responsibility for the discrepancy.”
Over coffee
“The security footage should exculpate him—it shows he wasn't even there.”
Why this word
clear
exculpate is the formal legal term meaning to clear from blame or guilt, while clear is vague and general
acquit
exculpate means to show someone was not at fault, while acquit is specifically a court's formal declaration of not guilty
vindicate
exculpate focuses on clearing from specific charges or blame, while vindicate emphasizes proving someone was right or justified all along
Usage tip
Opposite of incriminate; use when evidence or findings prove someone's innocence or lack of fault.
Etymology
Medieval Latin 'exculpare' (ex- 'out, from' + culpa 'blame')
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Related words
nullify
To make something legally void or completely ineffective
enjoin
To legally prohibit or order someone to do or not do something
proscribe
To officially forbid or condemn something
severability
The legal principle that if one part of a contract is invalid, the rest remains enforceable
quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for valid proceedings
recuse
To remove oneself from a decision due to conflict of interest or bias