incriminate

[ in-krim-uh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

incriminated, incriminating.

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 Word Forms

• 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

He secrets away a trove of incriminating documents about a nasty false flag operation and cover-up, which he uses as leverage to demand his own field training.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the 20-page FBI complaint, key evidence was obtained because the men allegedly posted incriminating photos on an iCloud site.

From Los Angeles Times

The evidence of a massive and coordinated project to defraud the European Parliament and its associated taxpayers included jaw-droppingly incriminating emails suggesting officials knew exactly what they were doing, and the illegality of their actions.

From BBC

Some of the series’ most captivating scenes involve Cupp simply staring at her various suspects as they squirm and voluntarily incriminate themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

The other arresting officer's evidence was that "nothing incriminating" was recovered from Jagtar at the time of his arrest or afterwards.

From BBC

Related Words

• implicate
• indict
• prosecute