Definition of debacle

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< deb.

De Bakey, Michael Ellis >

de·ba·cle    (d-bäkl, -bkl, db-kl) KEY  

NOUN:

1. A sudden, disastrous collapse, downfall, or defeat; a rout.
2. A total, often ludicrous failure.
3. The breaking up of ice in a river.
4. A violent flood.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French débâcle, from débâcler, to unbar, from Old French desbacler : des-, de- + bacler, to bar (from Vulgar Latin *bacculre, from Latin baculum, rod; see bak- in Indo-European roots)

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