exculpate
EKS-kuhl-peyt
/ˈɛkskʌlpeɪt/
To show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing or blame.
Exculpate is a technical legal term. It means to present evidence or arguments that clear someone of blame, focusing on proving they did not have bad intentions.
The story behind the word. Exculpate is built from two Latin pieces: 'ex-' (meaning out of or away from) and 'culpa' (meaning blame or fault). Literally, to exculpate someone is to pull them 'out of the blame' pool.
Word relationships
- exonerate: Exonerate is broader and more public, often implying a complete restoration of reputation; exculpate is more focused on the specific legal proof of innocence.
- absolve: Absolve has a moral or spiritual dimension, whereas exculpate is strictly factual and legal.
- inculpate: Inculpate means to accuse or blame someone, or to make them appear guilty.
- incriminate: Incriminate means to present evidence that makes someone look guilty of a crime.
Commonly confused with
- culpable: Culpable means deserving of blame; exculpate (with the prefix ex-) means to get out of blame.
Word family
- exculpation (noun): The act of clearing someone from alleged fault or guilt.
- exculpatory (adjective): Tending to clear from a charge of guilt or fault.
Collocations
- exculpate from blame
- evidence to exculpate
- fully exculpate
Example sentences
- "The alibi provided by his employer served to exculpate him from any involvement in the heist." A legal defense presenting an alibi.
- "The independent committee's report was expected to exculpate the director of any financial misconduct." An investigation clearing a professional of blame.
Memory hook
Think of 'ex' (out) and 'culpable' (guilty). Exculpating is making someone 'not culpable'. Ex-culpa = Out of the blame.
When not to use
Do not use in casual, everyday conversations; it will sound overly academic.
Fun facts
- In legal dramas, you will often hear about 'exculpatory evidence'—this is evidence that the prosecution is legally required to share with the defense because it helps prove the defendant's innocence.
Explore more words
exoneration, extenuation, vindicate, acquit, vindication, incriminate
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.