VOCABULARY BUILDER

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exculpate
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -pated ; -pating
Etymology: Medieval Latin exculpatus, past participle of exculpare, from Latin ex- + culpa blame
Date: circa 1681

 : to clear from alleged fault or guilt
–exculpation  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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