inculpate
UK: ɪnˈkʌlpeɪt | US: ɪnˈkʌlpeɪt
vt. to accuse or blame someone for wrongdoing
vt. to involve someone in guilt or fault
The word "inculpate" derives from Latin inculpāre, combining in- (into) + culpa (fault, blame). The morpheme culp is also seen in related words like "culprit" and "culpable." Over time, the term evolved to specifically mean assigning blame or accusing someone formally. The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb in English.
The evidence was insufficient to inculpate the suspect.
She refused to inculpate her colleague during the investigation.
The lawyer argued that the testimony did not inculpate his client.
His confession inadvertently inculpated others involved in the scheme.
The prosecutor sought to inculpate the defendant through circumstantial evidence.