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Exonerating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exonerating

[ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Exonerating refers to the act of declaring someone free from blame or fault, especially in a legal context. This term is often used when a person who has been accused of a crime is found innocent or when evidence emerges that proves their innocence. In many cases, exoneration can involve the reversal of a conviction or the clearing of charges. It is a significant event that can restore an individual's reputation and allow them to reintegrate into society after having faced unjust accusations.

Synonyms

absolving, acquitting, clearing, vindicating.

Examples of usage

  • The new evidence is exonerating him of all charges.
  • Her exonerating statement helped the defendant's case.
  • The court's decision was exonerating for the wrongly accused.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • Exonerating someone often involves new evidence that proves their innocence, such as DNA testing in criminal cases.
  • The establishment of innocence projects around the world has led to the exoneration of numerous wrongfully convicted individuals.
  • Legal processes for exoneration vary by jurisdiction but typically require a formal review of the case.

Psychology

  • Being exonerated can lead to significant psychological relief for individuals previously burdened by guilt or blame.
  • Research shows that wrongful convictions can severely impact mental health, making exoneration a critical step in recovery.
  • Forgiveness and public acknowledgment of innocence play key roles in the psychological healing process post-exoneration.

Pop Culture

  • Exoneration stories have inspired numerous books, documentaries, and films that highlight the journey of the innocent.
  • Famous cases of exoneration, like that of Steven Avery, have sparked national conversations about justice and wrongful convictions.
  • Television shows focusing on legal battles often depict exoneration as a dramatic turning point in the storyline.

History

  • Historically, exoneration has played a critical role in society's evolving understanding of justice and fairness.
  • The Innocence Project, founded in 1992, has been instrumental in changing legal practices around wrongful convictions.
  • Famous historical figures, such as Joan of Arc, have been posthumously exonerated, illustrating how perceptions of justice can shift over time.

Origin of 'exonerating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'exonerare,' where 'ex' means 'out of' and 'onerare' means 'to burden.'
  • It originally referred to removing a burden, usually in a legal context, and evolved to mean clearing someone from blame.
  • The term has been used in legal settings for centuries, especially in discussions about wrongful convictions.

The word 'exonerate' originates from the Latin term 'exonerare', which means 'to unburden' or 'to free from a burden'. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' or 'from', while 'onerare' comes from 'onus', meaning 'burden'. The term evolved through Middle English in the 15th century and has been used in legal contexts since then to describe the act of freeing someone from an obligation or responsibility. Over the centuries, 'exonerate' has come to be associated primarily with legal innocence, where it signifies the absolution from blame or the removal of charges that have been brought against a person. This evolution reflects the changing nature of justice and accountability in societal norms.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,385 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.