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exculpate

[ ek-skuhl-peyt, ik-skuhl-peyt ]
/ ˈɛk skʌlˌpeɪt, ɪkˈskʌl peɪt /
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See synonyms for: exculpate / exculpated / exculpation on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), ex·cul·pat·ed, ex·cul·pat·ing.
to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate.
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Origin of exculpate

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin exculpātus “freed from blame,” equivalent to ex- ex-1 + culpātus “blamed” (past participle of culpāre; see culpable)

OTHER WORDS FROM exculpate

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH exculpate

exculpate , exonerate, inculpate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to exculpate

absolve, acquit, amnesty, clear, condone, discharge, dismiss, excuse, exonerate, explain, free, justify, pardon, rationalize, release, remit, vindicate, let off, wipe the slate clean

British Dictionary definitions for exculpate

exculpate
/ (ˈɛkskʌlˌpeɪt, ɪkˈskʌlpeɪt) /
verb
(tr) to free from blame or guilt; vindicate or exonerate

Derived forms of exculpate

exculpable (ɪkˈskʌlpəbəl), adjectiveexculpation, nounexculpatory, adjective

Word Origin for exculpate

C17: from Medieval Latin exculpāre, from Latin ex- 1 + culpāre to blame, from culpa fault, blame
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
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