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Exonerating: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "exonerating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exonerante

🇮🇳 निर्दोष करने वाला

🇩🇪 entschuldigend

🇮🇩 membebaskan

🇺🇦 виправдовуючий

🇵🇱 uniewinniający

🇯🇵 無罪を証明する

🇫🇷 exonérant

🇪🇸 exonerante

🇹🇷 aklayıcı

🇰🇷 면죄하는

🇸🇦 تبرئه

🇨🇿 osvobozující

🇸🇰 oslobodzujúci

🇨🇳 免罪的

🇸🇮 opravičujoč

🇮🇸 hreinsandi

🇰🇿 ақтаушы

🇬🇪 განთავისუფლებელი

🇦🇿 bəraət verən

🇲🇽 exonerante

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.