exculpate
/ˈɛkskəlpeɪt/
Group 10Difficulty 3/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing GRE
Example in Context
The DNA evidence definitively exculpated the defendant, who had spent fourteen years in prison for a crime he did not commit.
Synonyms
clearacquitabsolve
Etymology
To clear from fault — showing someone is not guilty.
- ex- (Latin) — out of
- culpa (Latin) — fault
Memory Aid
👮♂️Sounds like “ex-cult mate”
An EX-CULT MATE pleads with the police, saying 'I’m INNOCENT!' — they want to EXCULPATE themselves!
Visual Association
⚖️A courtroom where a relieved individual is declared innocent, throwing confetti in joy!
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “exculpate” mean on the GRE?
exculpate (verb) means “To show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing”. The DNA evidence definitively exculpated the defendant, who had spent fourteen years in prison for a crime he did not commit.
How to remember “exculpate” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “exculpate” sounds like “ex-cult mate”. An EX-CULT MATE pleads with the police, saying 'I’m INNOCENT!' — they want to EXCULPATE themselves!
What are synonyms for “exculpate”?
Common synonyms: clear, acquit, absolve.