Root : culpa
means blame or fault or crime.
Origin: Latin; ‘culpabilis’
CULPRIT
noun
>> a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed.
>>> the cause of a problem or defect.
Usage :
The real culprits in the fight have not yet been identified.
As soon as he saw the broken window he began to look for the culprit.
CULPABLE
adjective
>> deserving blame.
Usage :
Sometimes you’re just as culpable when you watch something as when you actually participate.
INCULPATE
verb
>> accuse or blame.
Usage :
Someone placed a pistol in John’s room to inculpate him for the homicide.
EXCULPATE
verb
>> show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing.
Usage :
The reports exculpated the Organizers.
MEA CULPA
noun
>> an acknowledgment of one’s fault or error.
Usage:
“And whose fault was it?” asked the fairy mother; “Mea Culpa!” Peter exclaimed.
INCULPABLE
adjective
>> Free of guilt; blameless.
Usage :
He has lived an inculpable life.