Open and Shut Case

to clear someone's name of accusations and prove their innocence

The new evidence helped to exculpate the wrongly accused man.

to terminate an agreement, right, law, custom, etc. in an official manner

The government decided to abrogate the outdated trade agreement.

to strongly criticize in an official manner

The teacher had to censure a student who consistently disrupted the class.

to accept or forgive something that is commonly believed to be wrong

The company's failure to address employee misconduct might be seen as condoning unethical practices in the workplace.

a computer file, book, piece of paper etc. that is used as evidence or a source of information

The historian discovered an ancient document that shed light on a lost civilization.

to tell someone to do something by ordering or instructing them

The judge enjoined the defendant from contacting the plaintiff while the case was pending.

a slim furry animal with a long tail that is domesticated and is used for catching rabbits, rats, etc.

to no longer be able to access a right, property, privilege, etc. as a result of violating a law or a punishment for doing something wrong

Individuals who commit fraud may forfeit their assets as part of legal penalties.

to take a person or thing to a confined space and trap them there

The kidnappers decided to immure the hostages in an abandoned warehouse.

to make something known publicly, especially an idea, belief, or policy

She promulgated her views on education reform in a televised interview.

to officially ban the existence or practice of something

The government decided to proscribe the use of certain chemicals due to environmental concerns.

to provide someone with something, such as help or services, especially as required or expected

During the event, the organizers will render information about the schedule and activities to the attendees.

to reject something or someone

She repudiated her former beliefs after years of reflection.

to officially approve of something such as an action, change, practice, etc.

The city council decided to sanction the music festival, granting official permission for its organization in the park.

to prove someone or something right by providing evidence or justification

The research findings vindicated the theory, providing strong empirical evidence in support of its validity.

to publicly support or recommend something

The environmentalist passionately advocates for sustainable living practices.

the state of an organization or country that is lacking in order, authority, or control

The country descended into anarchy after the government was overthrown.

the privilege of being officially released from an obligation, law, or something that is usually prohibited

He received a special dispensation from the school to miss the exam due to personal reasons.

a privilege or right that is granted legally

The entitlement of employees to vacation days is outlined in the company policy.

an illegal or unjust act committed by a person of high standing

The politician was charged with malfeasance for accepting bribes in exchange for government contracts.

an individual who feigns incompetence or illness just so they would not have to do something

The sergeant suspected Private Johnson was a malingerer always finding excuses to avoid difficult tasks.

an individual who demands total obedience to rules, laws, and orders

The new colonel was a tough, no-nonsense martinet who ran a very tight ship.

a firm decision to do something or to behave in a certain way, often made after careful consideration

She made a resolution to finish writing her novel by the end of the year.

(of a statement or story) unlikely to be authentic, even though it is widely believed to be true

He shared an apocryphal story about the founding of the city that many people still believe.

relating or belonging to something bigger or more important, like lifestyles, structures, systems, etc.

The new regulations are appurtenant to the overall framework of the company’s policies.

not authentic or true, despite attempting to make it seem so

The website advertised bogus products that never arrived after purchase.

(of statements) intending to ruin someone's reputation with the use of unpleasant or false information

Social media platforms have policies in place to remove defamatory content that users might post.

causing doubt or suspicion

His dubious explanation for being late didn’t seem believable.

unable to be broken or dishonored, often due to its importance or protection by law or custom

The nation's constitution is considered an inviolable document, safeguarding the rights of its citizens.

(of a woman) having the hymen unbroken

applying good judgment and sense, especially in making decisions

His judicious use of resources ensured the project's success within budget and on time.

tending to discourage (especially of prices)

reliable and true to the point of being unquestionable

The historian's records were considered unimpeachable, providing a solid foundation for the research.

not grave and thus capable of being pardoned or overlooked

The error was venial, and the manager decided to overlook it.

to give up or reject a belief, claim, or practice through formal or public declaration

She publicly abjured her former affiliations in a statement.

to attribute a quality, action, or outcome to a person, cause, or source

The scandal was imputed to poor oversight.

skillful in achieving what one desires, especially through deceptive means

The wily salesman used his charm and persuasion to close deals that others couldn't.