verb (used with object), ex·on·er·at·ed, ex·on·er·at·ing.
1.
to clear, as of an accusation; free from guilt or blame; exculpate: He was exonerated from the accusation of cheating.
2.
to relieve, as from an obligation, duty, or task.
Origin: 1515–25;late Middle English < Latinexonerātus (past participle of exonerāre to unburden, discharge), equivalent to ex-ex-1 + oner- (stem of onus) a burden + -ātus-ate1
mid-15c., from L. exoneratus, pp. of exonerare "remove a burden, discharge," from ex- "off" + onus (gen. oneris) "burden." Related: Exonerated; exonerating.