exculpate

views updated Jun 11 2018

ex·cul·pate / ˈekskəlˌpāt/ • v. [tr.] formal show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing: the article exculpated the mayor.DERIVATIVES: ex·cul·pa·tion / ˌekskəlˈpāshən/ n.ex·cul·pa·to·ry / ˌeksˈkəlpəˌtôrē/ adj.

exculpate

views updated May 11 2018

exculpate XVII. f. pp. stem of medL. *exculpāre, f. EX-1 + culpa blame; see -ATE3.

Exculpate

views updated May 11 2018

EXCULPATE

To clear or excuse from guilt.

An individual who uses the excuse of justification to explain the lawful reason for his or her action might be exculpated from a criminal charge. Exculpatory evidence is evidence that works to clear an individual from fault.