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; in- ², -ate ¹; 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

That this was part of a subtle scheme to inculpate her lover will, in the circumstances, hardly be maintained.

From Trial of Mary Blandy by Roughead, William