#1
exculpation n. [
excuse, alibi, self-justification] a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.; "he kept finding excuses to stay"; "every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job"; "his transparent self-justification was unacceptable"
. wn #2
exculpation n. the act of freeing from guilt or blame
. wn