incriminate

[ in-krim-uh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·crim·i·nat·ed, in·crim·i·nat·ing.

1. to accuse of or present proof of a crime or fault:

   He incriminated both men to the grand jury.

2. to involve in an accusation; cause to be or appear to be guilty; implicate: He feared incriminating himself if he answered.

   His testimony incriminated his friend.

   He feared incriminating himself if he answered.

3. to charge with responsibility for all or part of an undesirable situation, harmful effect, etc.:

   to incriminate cigarettes as a cause of lung cancer.

incriminate

/ ɪnˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to imply or suggest the guilt or error of (someone)
2. to charge with a crime or fault

Derived Forms

• inˈcrimiˌnator, noun
• inˈcriminatory, adjective
• inˌcrimiˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• in·crimi·nation noun
• in·crimi·nator noun
• in·crim·i·na·to·ry [in-, krim, -, uh, -n, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• nonin·crimi·nating adjective
• nonin·crimi·nation noun
• nonin·crimi·na·tory adjective
• unin·crimi·nated adjective
• unin·crimi·nating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incriminate¹

First recorded in 1720–30; from Late Latin incrīminātus, past participle of incrīmināre “to accuse”; in- ², criminate

Word History and Origins

Origin of incriminate¹

C18: from Late Latin incrīmināre to accuse, from Latin crīmen accusation; see crime

Example Sentences

Messages and images on Snapchat disappear after 24 hours - making incriminating behaviour harder to track - and senders also know if the recipient has screengrabbed a message.

From BBC

Yet lurking behind the smiling face are sinister intentions to radicalise, incriminate and profit from his willing students.

From BBC

Trump now has a seven-day window to challenge the release of papers, which could further incriminate him in the public eye as the 2024 election enters its closing stretch.

From Salon

They harvested vast quantities of incriminating data and shared it with colleagues around Europe.

From BBC

When told about the incriminating words that were cut out, Herbert shrugged.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• implicate
• indict
• prosecute