Culprit
/ˈkʌl.prɪt/noun
A person who is responsible for a crime or wrongdoing.
Did you know?The term 'culprit' originally referred to someone in a legal context, literally meaning 'that which is called into court'—a summons for accountability!
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Latin
Latin
culpritus
“That which is called into court; a summoned person.”
14th Century
Old French
culprit
“Indicted person; an accused individual.”
16th Century
English
culprit
“A person who has committed a crime, especially one in a legal trial.”
Modern English
English
culprit
“Current term for a person responsible for a wrongdoing or crime.”
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