definitions

exculpate

[ ek-skuhl-peyt, ik-skuhl-peyt ]
/ ˈɛk skʌlˌpeɪt, ɪkˈskʌl peɪt /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR exculpate 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.

RELATED CONTENT

Exculpate, Mockumentary, Burpless, And Other Words That Trended On Dictionary.com This Past WeekIn this batch of trending words, we offer a "stirring" mix of 10 terms that trended (i.e., significantly increased by percentage measured against searches on the the previous day).
READ MORE
6 Words That Ruin An ApologyHere are six words that can sabotage your apology in no time flat. Proceed with caution!
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

acquit, pardon, vindicate, rationalize, clear, dismiss, absolve, remit, excuse, free, release, discharge, amnesty, condone, explain, exonerate, justify

Nearby words

excruciating, excruciation, excubitorium, excud., excudit, exculpate, exculpatory, excurrent, excursion, excursion ticket, excursionist

Origin of exculpate

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

Related forms

Can be confused

exculpate exonerate inculpate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for exculpate

British Dictionary definitions for exculpate

exculpate

/ (ˈɛkskʌlˌpeɪt, ɪkˈskʌlpeɪt) /

verb

(tr) to free from blame or guilt; vindicate or exonerate

Derived Forms

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