exonerate
UK[ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt]US[ɪɡˈzɑːnəreɪt]
v
to officially state or show that someone is not guilty of a crime or responsible for a problem
v
to free someone from a duty, responsibility, or obligation
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
oner
ate
ex
out
oner
burden
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'exonerate' originates from the latin verb exonerare, meaning "to unburden, to relieve of a load". this verb is a compound of the prefix ex- ("out") and the noun onus, oneris ("burden, load"). the literal sense of removing a physical burden evolved in legal latin to signify the removal of a charge or blame from a person. entering english in the late middle english period, it retained this figurative legal meaning, specifically to declare someone free from guilt or blame, effectively lifting the burden of accusation from them.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + oner (burden) + ate (verb suffix)
ex: latin origin, a prefix meaning "out of, from, thoroughly".
oner: from latin onus, oneris, meaning "a load, burden".
ate: latin-derived suffix used to form verbs meaning "to make, to cause, to act".
Examples
the new evidence completely exonerated the defendant.
after a lengthy investigation, the officer was exonerated of any misconduct.
the committee's report exonerated the company from responsibility for the environmental damage.