exculpate Definition
to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate.
Using exculpate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "exculpate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The new evidence helped to exculpate the defendant.
Example
He was exculpated from any wrongdoing in the investigation.
Example
The report exculpated the company from any responsibility for the accident.
exculpate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with exculpate
evidence that tends to clear someone of guilt or blame
Example
The defense presented exculpatory evidence that proved the defendant's innocence.
a provision in a contract that relieves one party from liability for certain actions or events
Example
The exculpatory clause in the rental agreement relieved the landlord from any responsibility for damages caused by the tenant.
self-exculpation
the act of clearing oneself from blame or guilt
Example
His self-exculpation only made him look more guilty.
Origins of exculpate
from Latin 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and 'culpa' meaning 'blame'
Summary: exculpate in Brief
'Exculpate' [ek-skuhl-peyt] is a verb that means to clear someone from a charge of guilt or fault, often through evidence or proof. It can be used in legal or moral contexts, as in 'The new evidence helped to exculpate the defendant.' The term extends to phrases like 'exculpatory evidence,' which refers to evidence that clears someone of guilt, and 'self-exculpation,' which means the act of clearing oneself from blame.