exoneration
UK[ɪɡˌzɒnəˈreɪʃən]US[ɪɡˌzɑːnəˈreɪʃən]
n
the act of officially absolving someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing.
n
the state of being freed from a duty, obligation, or liability.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
oner
ation
ex
out
oner
burden
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'exoneration' originates from the latin verb 'exonerare', meaning "to unburden, disencumber". this verb is a compound of the prefix 'ex-' (out, away) and the noun 'onus, oneris' (a burden, load). the literal sense of lifting a physical burden evolved in late latin and english to signify the removal of a figurative burden, such as blame, guilt, or an obligation. the suffix '-ation' was added to form the noun describing the process or result of this act, solidifying its modern legal and general meaning of clearing someone from accusation or responsibility.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + oner (burden) + ation (noun suffix)
- ex: latin origin, meaning "out of, from". a prefix indicating removal or release.
- oner: from latin 'onus, oner-', meaning "a burden, load". a bound root.
- ation: latin suffix '-atio', forming nouns of action or state.
Examples
the new evidence led to the full exoneration of the wrongly convicted man.
after a lengthy investigation, the committee issued a report detailing his exoneration from all charges.
the certificate of exoneration released him from any further tax liability for that year.