Dictionary.com

inculpate

[ in-kuhl-peyt, in-kuhl-peyt ]
/ ɪnˈkʌl peɪt, ˈɪn kʌl peɪt /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: inculpate / inculpation on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), in·cul·pat·ed, in·cul·pat·ing.
to charge with fault; blame; accuse.
to involve in a charge; incriminate.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of inculpate

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

OTHER WORDS FROM inculpate

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH inculpate

1. exculpate, exonerate, inculpate 2. exculpatory, inculpatory
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use inculpate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for inculpate

inculpate
/ (ˈɪnkʌlˌpeɪt, ɪnˈkʌlpeɪt) /

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

Derived forms of inculpate

inculpation, nouninculpative (ɪnˈkʌlpətɪv) or inculpatory (ɪnˈkʌlpətərɪ, -trɪ), adjective

Word Origin for inculpate

C18: from Late Latin inculpāre, from Latin 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
FEEDBACK