The act of vindicating

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1630s, from Late Latin exonerationem (nominative exoneratio ) "an unloading, lightening," noun of action from past participle stem of exonerare "free from a burden" (see exonerate ).\n

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. the condition of being relieved from blame or obligation the act of vindicating or defending against criticism or censure etc.; "friends provided a vindication of his position" [syn: vindication ]

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Exoneration \Ex*on`er*a"tion\, n. [L. exoneratio: cf. F. Exon['e]ration.] The act of disburdening, discharging, or freeing morally from a charge or imputation; also, the state of being disburdened or freed from a charge.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. An act of disburdening, discharging, or freeing morally from a charge or imputation

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Exoneration occurs when the conviction for a crime is reversed, either through demonstration of innocence, a flaw in the conviction, or otherwise. Attempts to exonerate convicts are particularly controversial in death penalty cases, especially where new ...