incriminate

American  

[in-krim-uh-neyt] / ɪnˈkrɪm əˌneɪt /

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.

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incriminate British  

/ ɪnˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to imply or suggest the guilt or error of (someone)

2. to charge with a crime or fault

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Other Word Forms

• incrimination noun
• incriminator noun
• incriminatory adjective
• nonincriminating adjective
• nonincrimination noun
• nonincriminatory adjective
• unincriminated adjective
• unincriminating adjective

Etymology

Origin of incriminate

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

Example Sentences

Massie said they are "likely incriminated by their inclusion in these files".

From BBC

Massie has also criticized the DOJ, which he says “has failed to properly redact victims’ information while simultaneously succeeding in avoiding the disclosure of incriminated individuals,” in a statement to Salon.

From Salon

In recent days, police—on foot and in vehicles, some equipped with night-vision goggles—have been near Chakwera’s house trying to catch an incriminating glimpse of the canines, residents said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Instead, they relied on them for Comey’s indictment and ordered an FBI agent to dig through more of Richman’s personal files for anything incriminating.

From Salon

Mangione’s lawyers said the officer was trying to obtain an incriminating response.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• implicate
• indict
• prosecute