[ verb ]
pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
<verb.communication> acquit assoil clear discharge exonerate
The suspect was cleared of the murder charges

Exculpate \Ex*cul"pate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Exculpated}, p.
pr. & vb. n.. {Exculpating} (?).] [L. ex out + culpatus, p.
p. of culpare to find fault with, to blame, culpa fault. See
{Culpable}.]
To clear from alleged fault or guilt; to prove to be
guiltless; to relieve of blame; to acquit.

He exculpated himself from being the author of the
heroic epistle. --Mason.

I exculpate him further for his writing against me.
--Milman.

Syn: To exonerate; absolve; clear; acquit; excuse; vindicate;
justify.