exculpate

Exculpate (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does exculpate mean?

To clear someone from blame or to prove someone's innocence.
"Video evidence was used to exculpate him of the accusation."

Detailed Meaning of Exculpate

It is often used in the context of a legal trial, where an individual is being accused of a crime, and the goal is to provide evidence that the individual is not guilty. The term "exculpate" comes from the Latin word "exculpare" which means "to clear from guilt." The verb form of the word is 'exculpate', and the noun form is 'exculpation'.

Exculpation can also be used in a broader sense to refer to the act of defending or vindicating someone or something that has been accused of being at fault, whether in a legal context or in general. It can also refer to the process of explaining or providing an excuse for a particular behavior or action.

Exculpation can be done through providing evidence, testimony, or by making a convincing argument that the accused is not guilty, or by providing a reasonable explanation for the accused's actions.

In short, exculpate means to clear someone from blame or to prove someone's innocence, whether in a legal or general context, it is the act of defending or vindicating someone or something from an accusation of being at fault.

Example Sentences for Exculpate

1. The evidence presented during the trial did not exculpate the defendant.
2. The confession made by the suspect may exculpate the other person involved.
3. The new DNA evidence could potentially exculpate the convicted individual.
4. The witness's testimony was crucial in helping to exculpate the accused.
5. The investigation revealed crucial information that may exculpate the suspect.
6. The video footage from the surveillance cameras could exculpate the accused.

Origin and Etymology of Exculpate

The verb 'exculpate' has its etymological origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'exculpare,' which is a combination of 'ex-' (out of) and 'culpa' (blame). In essence, 'exculpate' originally meant 'to free from blame' or 'to clear of guilt.' In English, it is used to describe the act of clearing someone from blame or proving someone's innocence in a particular situation. The term underscores the idea of removing the burden of guilt or responsibility from an individual. The etymology of 'exculpate' highlights its historical connection to the concept of absolving someone of wrongdoing and affirming their innocence by providing evidence or arguments that justify their exoneration.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb exculpate:

blame

incriminate

absolve

accuse

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Exculpate

1. The forensic analysis of the fingerprints may exculpate the suspect.
2. The expert witness's testimony was instrumental in exculpating the defendant.
3. The legal team presented compelling arguments to exculpate their client.
4. The newly discovered alibi could potentially exculpate the suspect.
5. The defendant's confession failed to exculpate the other person involved.
6. The polygraph test results were inconclusive and did not exculpate the suspect.
7. The defense attorney worked tirelessly to exculpate her client.
8. The lack of evidence made it challenging to exculpate the accused.
9. The judge's ruling was crucial in exculpating the defendant.
10. The investigation into the case was ongoing to exculpate the wrongfully accused.
11. The testimonies of multiple witnesses helped exculpate the suspect.
12. The expert analysis of the crime scene could potentially exculpate the defendant.
13. The review of the surveillance footage may exculpate the accused.
14. The independent investigation aimed to exculpate the individuals involved in the case.