verb (used with object), in·cul·pat·ed, in·cul·pat·ing.
- to charge with fault; blame; accuse.
- to involve in a charge; incriminate.
verb
- (tr) to incriminate; cause blame to be imputed to
1799, “to accuse, bring charges against,” from Medieval Latin inculpatus, past participle of inculpare “to reproach, blame, censure,” from Latin in- “in” (see in- (2)) + culpare “to blame,” from culpa “fault.” But inculpable (late 15c.) means “not culpable, free from blame,” from Latin in- “not” (see in- (1)) + culpare.