>Pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
>To clear from alleged fault or guilt
There are several synonym for this word but they have got some definite difference. Here goes, a few examples.
Exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance (Eg: exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm)
Absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin. (Eg: cannot be absolve of blame)
Exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt (Eg: exonerated by the investigation)
Acquit implies a formal decision in one’s favor with respect to a definite charge (Eg: voted to acquit the defendant)
Vidnicate may refer to things as well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving the unfairness of such criticism or blame (Eg: her judgment was vindicated)
This word is derived from medieval Latin exculpatus, traces back to the Latin noun culpa, meaning “blame.” Some other descendants of “culpa” in English include “culpable” (“meriting condemnation or blame”) and “inculpate” (“incriminate”), as well as the considerably rarer “culpatory” (“accusing”) and “disculpate” (a synonym of “exculpate”). Also, “mea culpa” which translates directly as “through my fault” and is used in English to mean “a formal acknowledgment of personal fault or error.”
Example
The court will exculpate him of the crime after the real criminal confesses.
I will present evidence that will exculpate my client.