Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: EXONERATE
Definition: Exonerate means to free someone from blame or responsibility. It can also mean to remove any burdens or obstacles that may be holding something back. For example, if someone is exonerated from a debt, they are no longer responsible for paying it. The word exonerate is similar to the word exculpate, which also means to free from blame. Exonerative is the adjective form of exonerate.
Definition: To free from responsibility or encumbrances.
Example 1: The evidence presented in court exonerated the defendant from the crime.
Example 2: The payment of the debt was exonerated by the generous donation from a wealthy benefactor.
Explanation: In example 1, the defendant was cleared of any wrongdoing and was no longer responsible for the crime. In example 2, the debt was no longer a burden because it was paid off by someone else, freeing the debtor from the responsibility of paying it back.
Synonyms: acquit, absolve, clear, vindicate