Absolve from blame (9)
I believe the answer is:
exonerate
'absolve from blame' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for exonerate that I've seen before include "Discharge" , "Declare to be free from blame" , "Pronounce not guilty of a crime" , "Clear of blame" , "Acquit" .)