Ex-ŏn'er-āte, v. t.
(egz-ŏn'er-āt), v. t. [imp. & p. p. EXONERATED; p. pr. & vb. n. EXONERATING.] [Lat. exonerare, exoneratum, from ex, out of, from, and onerare, to load, from onus, load; Sp. exonerar, Fr. exonérer.]
Sense 1. To unload; to disburden. [Obs.]
Vessels which all exonerate themselves into a common duct. Ray.
Sense 2. To relieve of, as a charge, obligation, or load of blame resting on one; to clear of something that lies upon or oppresses one, as an accusation or imputation; as, to exonerate one's self from blame, or from the charge of avarice. Burke.
Synonyms—To absolve; acquit; exculpate; clear; justify; discharge. See ABSOLVE.