exculpate

verb (used with object), ex·cul·pat·ed, ex·cul·pat·ing.

to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate.

Origin:
1650–60; < Latin exculpātus freed from blame, equivalent to ex- ex-¹ + culpātus blamed (past participle of culpāre; see culpable)

Related forms

ex·cul·pa·ble

[ik-skuhl-puh-buh

l] , adjective

ex·cul·pa·tion, noun

non·ex·cul·pa·ble, adverb

non·ex·cul·pa·tion, noun

self-ex·cul·pa·tion, noun

un·ex·cul·pa·ble, adjective

un·ex·cul·pat·ed, adjective

Can be confused: exculpate, exonerate, inculpate.

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sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power; biting; acrid.

having little or no money; penniless; poor.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

exculpate (ˈɛkskʌlˌpeɪt, ɪkˈskʌlpeɪt)

—vb
	(tr) to free from blame or guilt; vindicate or exonerate

[C17: from Medieval Latin exculpāre, from Latin ex-¹ + culpāre to blame, from culpa fault, blame]

exculpable

—*adj*

excul'pation

—n

ex'culpatory

—*adj*

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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

exculpate

1650s, from M.L. exculpatus, pp. of exculpare, from L. ex culpa, from ex "from" + culpa abl. of culpa "blame." Related: Exculpated; exculpating.