Excriminate

/ɪkˈskrɪmɪneɪt/ verb

Definition

To accuse falsely or to incriminate someone without just cause.

Etymology

From Latin excriminare (ex- 'out' + criminare 'to accuse'), meaning to blame or accuse unjustly, distinct from the similar-sounding word that means to clear of blame.

Kelly Says

This word is the evil twin of 'exculpate'—while exculpate means to prove someone innocent, excriminate means to falsely accuse them, which is why lawyers and judges need both words.

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