Crossword Genius

Free from charge after inconclusive unfair accusation (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

liberate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'free' is the definition.
(I know that free can be written as liberate)

'from charge after inconclusive unfair accusation' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'from' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is found in the answer.
'charge' could be 'rate' (rate is a kind of charge) and 'rate' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'lib' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for liberate that I've seen before include "Free (someone)" , "Make free" , "Set free, emancipate" , "Set free, release from slavery" , "Deliver" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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