Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What does it mean to "exculpate" someone?

1. To condemn

2. To accuse

3. To clear from blame

4. To punish

The correct answer is: To clear from blame

To "exculpate" someone means to clear them from blame or to show that they are not guilty of a wrongdoing. This term comes from legal contexts, where an individual is found to be innocent of a charge, thus freeing them from any implications of fault or criminal responsibility. The essence of exculpation lies in the process of providing evidence or reasoning that protects someone from blame, thereby restoring their reputation or moral standing. This is particularly relevant in discussions regarding justice, moral responsibility, and criminal law, where the determination of guilt or innocence holds significant consequences. Other options indicate actions that lead to the opposite outcome: condemning suggests a strong disapproval or judgment that assigns guilt, accusing involves formally stating that someone is responsible for an offense, and punishing pertains to imposing a penalty or consequence for an alleged wrongdoing. In summary, exculpation is fundamentally about absolving someone from suspicion or blame, making this choice the most accurate representation of the term.