Dictionary.com

exculpate

[ ek-skuhl-peyt, ik-skuhl-peyt ]
/ ˈɛk skʌlˌpeɪt, ɪkˈskʌl peɪt /
See synonyms for: exculpate / 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

1650–60; <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. 2021

Words related to exculpate

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

Example sentences 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 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