Main Entry:

ex·cul·pate

Pronunciation:

\ˈek-(ˌ)skəl-ˌpāt, (ˌ)ek-ˈ\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

ex·cul·pat·ed; ex·cul·pat·ing

Etymology:

Medieval Latin exculpatus, past participle of exculpare, from Latin ex- + culpa blame

Date:

circa 1681

: to clear from alleged fault or guilt

— ex·cul·pa·tion \ˌek-(ˌ)skəl-ˈpā-shən\ noun

synonyms exculpate, absolve, exonerate, acquit, vindicate mean to free from a charge. exculpate implies a clearing from blame or fault often in a matter of small importance <exculpating himself from the charge of overenthusiasm>. absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin <cannot be absolved of blame>. exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt <exonerated by the investigation>. acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge <voted to acquit the defendant>. vindicate may refer to things as well as persons that have been subjected to critical attack or imputation of guilt, weakness, or folly, and implies a clearing effected by proving the unfairness of such criticism or blame <her judgment was vindicated>.