vindicate

/ˈvin-də-ˌkāt/

Latin vindicatus, past participle of vindicare to lay claim to, avenge, from vindic-, vindex claimant, avenger

verb

  1. to free from allegation or blame

  2. confirm, substantiate

  3. to provide justification or defense for : justify

exculpate absolve exonerate acquit vindicate mean to free from a charge. exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance. absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin.