WednesdayWordDay

Today’s words come from the newspaper.

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Today’s Word

Part of Speech

adjective

Definition

• Tending or serving to clear from alleged fault or guilt.
• Applied to evidence that might justify or excuse an accused defendant’s actions, and which will tend to show the defendant is not guilty or has no criminal intent.
• Serving to exculpate, or to absolve.

History

The first recorded use of exculpatory was in the mid- to late-eighteenth century. This adjective comes from the Medieval Latin exculpatus, and traces back to the Latin noun culpa, meaning “blame.” Something exculpatory frees a suspect from accusations.

Usage and Examples

Here are a few examples:

• The exculpatory evidence turned over by the prosecutor likely saved Darrold’s life.
• The facts were exculpatory to the defendant.

Synonyms

acquit, exonerate, vindicate

Antonyms

inculpatory, criminate, incriminate