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

---

inculpate British  

/ ˈɪnkʌlˌpeɪt, ɪnˈkʌlpeɪt /

verb

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

---

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

See Examples For:

inculpate inculpated inculpating

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

The Austrian Government had, as has been stated, a correct general notion of what was going on, but at the beginning it almost entirely lacked proofs which could inculpate individuals.

From The Liberation of Italy by Countess Evelyn Martinengo-Cesaresco

ITV separately agreed to pay Mr. McAlpine more than $200,000 for a program of its own that inculpated him.

From New York Times ● Dec. 19, 2012

They had stood their ground when deserted by their companions; and, although they had told the truth about the whole company, they had not inculpated individuals.

From The Drummer Boy by J. T. (John Townsend) Trowbridge

But, as regards the attempt on the life of Prince Eugene, it shall be investigated;—and woe to him, should he be inculpated by the examination of these papers!—

From Prince Eugene and His Times by L. (Luise) Mühlbach

Therefore, when this sentence had been read, the Protonotary addressed those present and said: 'I wish no one to be inculpated through me.

From Ave Roma Immortalis, Vol. 2 Studies from the Chronicles of Rome by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford

She was condemned, after having inculpated thirteen other persons, but “prevented execution by dying in gaol, a little before the expiring of the term her confederate dæmon had set for her enjoyment of Diabolical Pleasures.”

From Witch Stories by E. Lynn (Elizabeth Lynn) Linton

What exaggerated wild thing might she not say, unintentionally inculpating half Witch-Face Mountain in robbery and murder!

From The Mystery of Witch-Face Mountain and Other Stories by Mary Noailles Murfree

The Sub-Inspector perceived that, all the witnesses being tenants of Debendra Babu, there was no hope of getting them to stick to any statement inculpating him.

From Tales of Bengal by S. B. Banerjea

His life, to the end, was marked by all insolence and infamy, and on the day of the execution, he made a pretended confession, inculpating two innocent persons.

From Campaigns of a Non-Combatant, and His Romaunt Abroad During the War by George Alfred Townsend

"I will be judge of that, Lottie," said her mother, and Boyne seized his chance of inculpating her with his friend, Mr. Pogis.

From The Kentons by William Dean Howells

She had meant, in this intimate meeting, to give him a few hints as to his personal safety without too closely inculpating Zouroff and his associates, whom she still greatly feared.

From The Intriguers by William Le Queux