Exculpatory

adjective/ɛksˈkʌl.pəˌtɔ.ɹi/law

Definition

Tending or serving to exculpate.

Etymology

From exculpate +‎ -ory (suffix forming adjectives with the sense ‘of or pertaining to, serving for’). Exculpate is derived from Medieval Latin exculpātus, perfect passive participle of exculpō (“to free from blame, exculpate”), from ex- (prefix meaning ‘out, away’) + culpa (“defect, fault; crime”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kʷelp-). Cognate with Spanish exculpatorio.

Synonyms

disculpatory, exonerative, vindicatory, absolving

In a sentence

The audit trail provided exculpatory evidence for the accused team.