exculpate

[ ek-skuhl-peyt, ik-skuhl-peyt ]
/ ˈɛk skʌlˌpeɪt, ɪkˈskʌl peɪt /

verb (used with object), ex·cul·pat·ed, ex·cul·pat·ing.

to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate.

Origin of exculpate

1650–60; < Latin exculpātus freed from blame, equivalent to ex- ex-1 + culpātus blamed (past participle of culpāre; see culpable)

OTHER WORDS FROM exculpate

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH exculpate

exculpate exonerate inculpate

British Dictionary definitions for exculpable

exculpate
/ (ˈɛkskʌlˌpeɪt, ɪkˈskʌlpeɪt) /

verb

(tr) to free from blame or guilt; vindicate or exonerate

Derived forms of exculpate

exculpable (ɪkˈskʌlpəbəl), adjective exculpation, noun exculpatory, adjective

Word Origin for exculpate

C17: from Medieval Latin exculpāre, from Latin ex- 1 + culpāre to blame, from culpa fault, blame