culpa
- A Latin term used in English to denote fault or guilt, often used in legal contexts to describe negligence or a breach of duty. nounThe court found the defendant's actions to be a clear case of culpa.In Roman law, culpa referred to a failure to exercise due care.
- In religious contexts, particularly in Catholicism, it refers to the concept of sin or moral fault. nounDuring confession, the priest spoke about the importance of recognizing one's own culpa.The sermon focused on the idea of culpa and the need for atonement.