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

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

Police sent France into a bugged jail in hopes of getting Leasure to incriminate himself, a scheme the cautious Leasure foiled by writing his remarks on a piece of paper, then erasing them.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition, their client’s right not to incriminate herself was violated during a lengthy detention and questioning by deputies at the site of her wrecked SUV, they said.

From Los Angeles Times

Suppose your answer to a routine query could incriminate you or there’s no way to prove to an official that you aren’t lying.

From New York Times

Related Words

• implicate
• indict
• prosecute