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

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

Have we reached that point in our society where scoundrels can escape punishment if only they inculpate others?

From Time Magazine Archive

Still nothing has transpired to inculpate any one, or, in the finding of a Coroner’s jury, connect man or woman with it.

From Gwen Wynn A Romance of the Wye by Reid, Mayne