'exculpatory' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'exculpatus,' where 'ex-' meant 'out of' and 'culpa' meant 'blame.'

'exculpatus' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'exculpatorius,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exculpatory.'

Initially, it meant 'to clear from blame,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.