inculpate

[ in-kuhl-peyt, in-kuhl-peyt ]
See synonyms for: inculpateinculpation on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),in·cul·pat·ed, in·cul·pat·ing.
  1. to charge with fault; blame; accuse.

  2. to involve in a charge; incriminate.

Origin of inculpate

1
First recorded in 1790–1800; from Late Latin inculpātus, past participle of inculpāre “to blame,” equivalent to Latin in- “in” + culp(a) “fault” + -ātus past participle suffix; see in-2, -ate1; cf. culpable

Opposites for inculpate

Other words from inculpate

  • in·cul·pa·tion, noun
  • in·cul·pa·to·ry [in-kuhl-puh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], /ɪnˈkʌl pəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjective

Words that may be confused with inculpate

Words Nearby inculpate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use inculpate in a sentence

  • I have observed that my letter might inculpate me in the eyes of persons unacquainted with the particulars of what had passed.

  • Sextus, unwilling to inculpate Vitellia, maintains an obstinate silence, and Titus finally ratifies the sentence of death.

  • He had never been examined at Westwood's trial—and the law does not compel a man to inculpate himself.

    A Life Sentence | Adeline Sergeant
  • I have heard that this man, Bakewell, chooses voluntarily not to inculpate my son.

  • Moreover, he allowed Victor Durnovo to further inculpate himself.

    With Edged Tools | Henry Seton Merriman

British Dictionary definitions for inculpate

inculpate

/ (ˈɪnkʌlˌpeɪt, ɪnˈkʌlpeɪt) /


verb
  1. (tr) to incriminate; cause blame to be imputed to

Origin of inculpate

1
C18: from Late Latin inculpāre, from Latin culpāre to blame, from culpa fault, blame

Derived forms of inculpate

  • inculpation, noun
  • inculpative (ɪnˈkʌlpətɪv) or inculpatory (ɪnˈkʌlpətərɪ, -trɪ), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012