inculpate

American  

[in-kuhl-peyt, in-kuhl-peyt] / ɪnˈkʌl peɪt, ˈɪn kʌl peɪt /

verb (used with object)

inculpated, inculpating

1. to charge with fault; blame; accuse.

   Antonyms:

   exonerate

2. to involve in a charge; incriminate.

   Antonyms:

   exonerate

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inculpate British  

/ ˈɪnkʌlˌpeɪt, -trɪ, ɪnˈkʌlpətərɪ, ɪnˈkʌlpətɪv, ɪnˈkʌlpeɪt /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• inculpation
  noun
• inculpative
  adjective
• inculpatory
  adjective

Etymology

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, -ate ¹; cf. culpable

Example Sentences

The phrase “more modern ways of thinking” may curdle the blood of the reader, who may brace for Ms. Lutz to inculpate her subject in matters of race, class and gender.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Nobody doubts that a clever jurist with a dictionary and a truckload of motivated reasoning can use the law to exculpate himself and inculpate others.

From Slate • Jun. 26, 2023

Thomas said Samia did not deserve a new trial because the confession “did not directly inculpate the defendant and was subject to a proper limiting instruction.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 23, 2023

“This is particularly concerning given that the defendant is aware that Witness-1 has information that would tend to inculpate the defendant.”

From New York Times • Jan. 27, 2023

Bold as she was she did not like to speak quite plainly to the woman, as too free speech might inculpate Gabriel and bring the bishop to the rescue.

From The Bishop's Secret by Hume, Fergus