criminate

[ krim-uh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, crim·i·nat·ed, crim·i·nat·ing.

1. to charge with a crime.
2. to incriminate.
3. to censure (something) as criminal; condemn.

criminate

/ ˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt; -trɪ; ˈkrɪmɪnətərɪ /

verb

1. to charge with a crime; accuse
2. to condemn or censure (an action, event, etc)
3. short for incriminate

Derived Forms

• ˈcriminative, adjective
• ˌcrimiˈnation, noun
• ˈcrimiˌnator, noun

Other Words From

• crimi·nation noun
• crimi·nator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of criminate¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin crīminātus, past participle of crīminārī “to accuse”; crime, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of criminate¹

C17: from Latin crīminārī to accuse

Example Sentences

It also could be prohibited to “defame the president by declarations directly or indirectly to ‘criminate’ his motives in conducting official business.”

From Salon

These wicked men, thirsting for my blood, had no right to make me criminate myself or my coadjutors.

From Project Gutenberg

The endeavour failed, and the only criminating evidence against the prisoner was contained in the alleged confessions of Winter and Crofts, who, however, were not called as witnesses.

From Project Gutenberg

He says that had I come armed with affidavits criminating any individual, or even justifying a strong and distinct suspicion, their powers would be much larger.

From Project Gutenberg

Could any thing tend more to criminate his lordship than the sudden punishment of the accuser, while in the act of preferring his complaint?

From Project Gutenberg