convict

[ verb adjective kuhn-vikt; noun kon-vikt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to prove or declare guilty of an offense, especially after a legal trial:

   to convict a prisoner of a felony.

2. to impress with a sense of guilt.

noun

1. a person proved or declared guilty of an offense.
2. a person serving a prison sentence.

adjective

1. Archaic. convicted.

convict

verb

1. to pronounce (someone) guilty of an offence

noun

1. a person found guilty of an offence against the law, esp one who is sentenced to imprisonment
2. a person serving a prison sentence

adjective

1. obsolete.
   convicted

Derived Forms

• conˈvictable, adjective

Other Words From

• con·vict·a·ble con·vict·i·ble adjective
• con·vic·tive adjective
• con·vic·tive·ly adverb
• pre·con·vict verb (used with object)
• re·con·vict verb (used with object)
• un·con·vict·ing adjective
• un·con·vic·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of convict¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English verb convicten, from Latin convictus, past participle of convincere, equivalent to con- “with, together” + vic-, variant stem of vincere “to overcome” + -tus past participle suffix; Middle English noun convict “(a) convict,” adjective convict “convicted,” past participle of convicten “to convince” (or directly from Latin ); con-, convince

Word History and Origins

Origin of convict¹

C14: from Latin convictus convicted of crime, from convincere to prove guilty, convince

Example Sentences

He was convicted under a controversial amendment in 2022 to the Computer Misuse Act.

From BBC

How did we allow a convicted felon, compulsive liar, adjudicated sexual abuser and wannabe dictator to be elected our nation’s president?

From Los Angeles Times

Spolin charged the family $19,000 without informing them that Charles and others convicted of violent crimes did not meet the requirements for consideration.

From Los Angeles Times

It is not unheard of for released convicts return from the war in Ukraine, reoffend and then escape punishment for a second time by going back to the front.

From BBC

The jury convicted him of a hate-crime enhancement, which applied to the victim’s sexual orientation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• condemn
• imprison
• sentence