'exonerate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'exonerare', where 'ex-' meant 'from' and 'onerare' (from 'onus') meant 'to burden/load'.

'exonerate' changed from Latin 'exonerare' into Old French/Medieval Latin forms and entered Middle English as 'exoneraten', eventually becoming the modern English word 'exonerate'.

Initially, it meant 'to remove a burden' (to free from load or duty), but over time it evolved to include the sense 'to clear from blame or legal charge' in modern usage.