exonerate

Exonerate (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does exonerate mean?

To absolve or clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility for a particular wrongdoing or accusation.
"The lawyer fought tirelessly to exonerate his client and prove their innocence."

Detailed Meaning of Exonerate

When an individual is exonerated, it signifies that they are declared innocent or free from any culpability related to a specific event or offense. Exoneration often results from new evidence or information coming to light that demonstrates a person's innocence, or it may occur when it is revealed that proper legal procedures were not followed during a trial or investigation. This term is essential in the legal context, where it is used to rectify miscarriages of justice and ensure that individuals are not wrongfully punished for crimes they did not commit. "Exonerate" emphasizes the restoration of a person's reputation and legal standing, highlighting the vindication of their innocence.

Example Sentences for Exonerate

1. The new evidence presented during the trial may exonerate the accused.
2. The investigation revealed crucial information that could potentially exonerate the suspect.
3. The forensic analysis could exonerate the wrongfully convicted individual.
4. The eyewitness testimony helped to exonerate the defendant of the charges.
5. The DNA evidence provided during the trial could exonerate the defendant.
6. The confession of an alternate suspect could potentially exonerate the imprisoned person.

Origin and Etymology of Exonerate

The verb 'exonerate' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'exonerare,' which is a combination of 'ex-' (out of) and 'onera' (burden or load). In English, 'exonerate' means to absolve or clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility for a particular wrongdoing or accusation. It conveys the idea of removing a burden or obligation, in this case, the burden of false accusations or wrongdoing. 'Exonerate' implies a formal declaration or a legal process that vindicates an individual, confirming their innocence and freeing them from the repercussions of an alleged offense. It is a term often used in the context of legal proceedings and discussions of accountability and justice.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb exonerate:

clear

blame

convict

incriminate

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Exonerate

1. The review of the case led to new evidence that could exonerate the wrongly accused.
2. The expert witness provided testimony that could exonerate the defendant.
3. The comprehensive investigation aimed to exonerate the individuals wrongly implicated.
4. The documentary shed new light on the case and raised questions about the need to exonerate the convicted.
5. The legal team uncovered crucial information that could potentially exonerate their client.
6. The reexamination of the evidence may exonerate the person who was previously convicted.
7. The police conducted a thorough investigation to exonerate the individual of any wrongdoing.
8. The new witnesses came forward with testimonies that could exonerate the defendant.
9. The discovery of surveillance footage could potentially exonerate the accused.
10. The defense attorney presented compelling arguments to exonerate the client.
11. The independent investigation sought to exonerate those who were wrongly implicated.
12. The review of the case files revealed inconsistencies that could exonerate the defendant.
13. The support of a dedicated legal team was crucial in the efforts to exonerate the falsely accused.
14. The investigation exonerated the suspect of any involvement in the crime.