exculpate
verb transitive[L. ex and culpo, to blame, culpa, fault.]
To clear by words from a charge or imputation of fault or guilt; to excuse. How naturally are we inclined to exculpate ourselves and throw the blame on others. Eve endeavored to exculpate herself for eating the forbidden fruit, and throw the blame on the serpent; Adam attempted to exculpate himself and throw the blame on Eve.