exonerate
ig-ZON-uh-raytverbMeaning to clear completely of blame
Memory hook EX-ONUS: the load of blame lifted OFF. When the real thief is caught, the heavy sack of blame falls off Jamal’s shoulders. He is exonerated.
When the real thief confessed, the police exonerated the gardener.
In context After ten years in prison, the man was exonerated by new tests that proved someone else had committed the crime.
Similar clear, acquit, absolve, vindicate
Opposite convict, blame, incriminate
From Latin exonerare, “to unload, free from a burden”: ex (off) + onus (burden).