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exculpate
verb
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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.
absolve implies a release either from an obligation that binds the conscience or from the consequences of disobeying the law or committing a sin.
exonerate implies a complete clearance from an accusation or charge and from any attendant suspicion of blame or guilt.
acquit implies a formal decision in one's favor with respect to a definite charge.
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.
Examples of exculpate in a Sentence
Word History
Medieval Latin exculpatus, past participle of exculpare, from Latin ex- + culpa blame
circa 1656, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Exculpate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exculpate. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
exculpate
verbLegal Definition
Medieval Latin exculpare, from Latin ex- out of + culpa blame
More from Merriam-Webster on exculpate
Nglish: Translation of exculpate for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of exculpate for Arabic Speakers
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