HONORS ENGLISH I
VOCABULARY
LESSON 20: CRIME AND WRONGDOING
CULPABLE
• (adjective) Responsible for wrong or error;
blameworthy; deserving censure
• Example: Bill Belichick should accept culpability for
the deflated footballs in the AFC Championship
game against the Colts, but he did not.
EXONERATE
• (trans verb) To free from charge; declare blameless.
• Example: The defendant was exonerated from the
charge of armed robbery when the jury delivered a
favorable verdict.
EXTORT
• (trans verb) To obtain by threats or other coercive
means; exact; wring.
• Example: The detective tried to extort a confession
from the suspect.
ILLICIT
• (adjective) Not permitted by custom or law; illegal.
• Example: Because of the bank president’s illicit
activities, he was arrested and charged with
embezzlement.
INCORRIGIBLE
• (adjective) Incapable of being corrected or
reformed.
• (noun) A person who cannot be reformed.
• Example: “Your incorrigible dishonesty astounds
me,” the judge told the veteran shoplifter.
MISDEMEANOR
• (noun)
• a. An offense of less seriousness than a felony.
• b. Misbehavior.
• Example: Lorraine was guilty of a misdemeanor
when she made an illegal left turn onto Elm Street.
PURLOIN
• (trans. verb) To steal.
• (intrans. verb) To commit theft.
• Example: The thief purloined the jewelry and the
television set from the apartment.
RUFFIAN
• (noun) A tough or rowdy person.
• Example: The customers were frightened by the
ruffians who stood outside the restaurant.
UNSCRUPULOUS
• (adjective) Without scruples or principles; no
honorable.
• Example: The unscrupulous clerk did not give
customers all the change to which they were
entitled.
VILE
• (adjective)
• a. Unpleasant; disgusting
• b. Miserable; wretched
• c. Morally low or base
• Example: “If Lane Stewart had not acted in such a
vile manner toward his friends and family, he might
still be alive today,” the detective commented.