Inculpate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inculpate
[ˈɪn.kʌl.peɪt ]
Definition
legal term
To inculpate means to accuse someone of a crime or to show that someone is guilty of a crime. This term is often used in legal contexts when evidence suggests that an individual is involved in wrongdoing. Inculpation may occur during trials, investigations, or even in discussions about guilt and innocence. The process of inculpating someone can involve presenting proof or witness testimony that links them to the alleged crime.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The evidence was strong enough to inculpate him in the robbery.
- The prosecutor aimed to inculpate the defendant by presenting eyewitness accounts.
- The detective worked tirelessly to inculpate the suspect based on the gathered evidence.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, to inculpate someone involves providing evidence or testimony that shows they committed a crime.
- The opposite term is 'exculpate', which means to clear someone of blame.
- Prosecutors work to inculpate the defendant with compelling evidence during trials.
Psychology
- Studies show that assigning blame can affect relationships, often leading to conflict rather than resolution.
- In group dynamics, scapegoating is a common way to inculpate someone to shift responsibility away from oneself.
- Feeling inculpated can lead to guilt and shame, impacting mental health.
Literature
- Many literary works explore themes of guilt and innocence, often describing characters who are inculpated yet seek redemption.
- In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', characters are often inculpated in a web of betrayal and murder, complicating moral discernment.
- Classic detective stories, like those of Agatha Christie, revolve around the process of inculpating suspects to uncover the true criminal.
Pop Culture
- In many crime TV shows, the detective's task is to inculpate the right suspect while navigating a web of red herrings.
- Movies often feature dramatic courtroom scenes where characters are inculpated or exculpated by powerful evidence.
- Music often addresses themes of injustice and the impact of being wrongfully inculpated, reflecting societal issues.
Origin of 'inculpate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'inculpate' comes from the Latin word 'inculpatus', which means 'to blame'.
- The prefix 'in-' means 'into' or 'on', while 'culp' derives from 'culpa', meaning 'guilt'.
- It has been used in the English language since the early 19th century.
The word 'inculpate' originates from the Latin term 'inculpatus', which means 'to blame' or 'to accuse'. This Latin term is derived from 'in-' (meaning 'in') and 'culpa' (meaning 'fault' or 'blame'). The transition of the word into English occurred in the early 19th century, as the legal system began adopting more precise language for criminal proceedings. The concept of inculpation is significant in law, as it directly pertains to the attribution of guilt and the frameworks of justice. Over time, it has maintained its formal usage primarily in legal contexts, making it less common in everyday conversation.