exoneration

[ ig-zon-uh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of clearing someone of blame or of an accusation or criminal charge:

   I would like to highlight the importance of not only the release, but also the exoneration of political prisoners.

2. the act of relieving someone of an obligation or duty:

   The granting of tax exemptions and exonerations is one of the most common types of influence peddling used by corrupt regimes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of exoneration¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin exonerātiōn-, stem of exonerātiō “an unburdening, discharging,” equivalent to exonerāt(us) + -iō -ion ( def ); exonerate ( def )

Example Sentences

They note such items as the Manhattan prosecutors acknowledging flaws with their case, the men's exoneration, and the true perpetrator of the crimes' confession as examples.

From BBC

The men's exoneration in 2002 raised questions about policing and the work of prosecutors.

From BBC

The temporary reprieve leaves Roberson’s path to exoneration open, though it’s unclear what his next steps are.

From Salon

Neil Hudgell from Hudgell Solicitors, who represents 70 sub-postmasters who used Capture, said: "It should never have needed such a long, hard battle to reach this stage, and there now must not be a long, hard battle ahead for exoneration and compensation."

From BBC

In light of the test, Bell and Williams' attorneys agreed he would take an "Alford plea," a deal that would have allowed him to admit that prosecutors had enough evidence to acquire a guilty verdict but reduce his sentence to life without parole, which Williams' attorneys at the time said would offer them more time to pursue his exoneration.

From Salon

Related Words

• absolution