self-incrimination

American  

[self-in-krim-uh-ney-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf ɪnˌkrɪm əˈneɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the act of incriminating oneself or exposing oneself to prosecution, especially by giving evidence or testimony.

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self-incrimination Cultural  

1. Being forced or coerced to testify against oneself. Self-incrimination is prohibited by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

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Prohibiting self-incrimination not only helps guarantee due process of law, but also maintains one of the basic principles of American law by putting the burden of proof on the prosecution. (See also Miranda decision.)

Under this principle, a person may choose (given certain restrictions) to “take the Fifth,” refusing to testify in court or before a legislative or executive committee.

Etymology

Origin of self-incrimination

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

When summoned to testify before the House committee this month, she declined to answer questions, citing her constitutional right against self-incrimination.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Like Beller, the former accountant, she declined to turn over records or answer questions in a deposition in the New York lawsuit against Indyke and Kahn, citing her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

Bomba, however, refused to answer as many as 45 questions about his alleged conduct and his conversations with Knight, citing his 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025

Many protections for criminal defendants, too, like the right to trial by jury and the guarantee against self-incrimination, have strong historical foundations.

From Slate • May 8, 2024

Then a terrible recollection came to him, and, in a voice shaking with remorse and self-incrimination, he cried: "God help me, Manners, I would have let you freeze."

From Aladdin O'Brien by Morris, Gouverneur