Culprit

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪt

Origin

From Anglo-Norman cul prit, contraction of Culpable: prest (d'averrer nostre bille) ("guilty, ready (to prove our case)"), words used by prosecutor in opening a trial, mistaken in English for an address to the defendant. See culpable''.

Full definition of culprit

Noun

1. The person or thing at fault for a problem or crime.I tightened the loose bolt that was the culprit; it should work now.
• 2012, June 9, Owen Phillips, Euro 2012: Netherlands 0-1 Denmark, But the Dutch dominated only to waste numerous efforts, with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie the main culprits.

Synonyms

Related terms

• culpable
• mea culpa