EXCULPATE

[ex.cul.pate] vt -pat.ed ; -pat.ing [ML exculpatus, pp. of exculpare, fr. L ex- + culpa blame] (ca. 1681): to clear from alleged fault or guilt -- ex.cul.pa.tion n syn 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".