inculpate

[ in-kuhl-peyt, in-kuhl-peyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·cul·pat·ed, in·cul·pat·ing.

1. to charge with fault; blame; accuse.

   Antonyms: exonerate

2. to involve in a charge; incriminate.

   Antonyms: exonerate

inculpate

/ ˈɪnkʌlˌpeɪt; -trɪ; ɪnˈkʌlpətərɪ; ɪnˈkʌlpətɪv; ɪnˈkʌlpeɪt /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• inculpative, adjective
• ˌinculˈpation, noun

Other Words From

• incul·pation noun
• in·cul·pa·to·ry [in-, kuhl, -p, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inculpate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inculpate¹

C18: from Late Latin inculpāre, from Latin culpāre to blame, from culpa fault, blame

Example Sentences

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

“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

If they have changed their story, for example, juries may disregard their testimony, whatever they may say that inculpates a target.

From Salon

“The prosecutors tried to use this apparently exculpatory evidence against Rafiekian by making the blanket assertion that the undisclosed facts — known only to the government — would further inculpate the defendant,” they wrote.

From New York Times

Mueller and his team were trying to frighten people within President Trump's orbit in hopes they would inculpate him, Graham, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, claimed Wednesday on "Hannity."

From Fox News