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

See Examples For:

self-incrimination

Citing Paul's "obsession" with him, Fauci said he would invoke the Fifth Amendment, refraining from answering questions to avoid self-incrimination, adding that it "pains me to do so."

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

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

He invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in response to a subpoena for documents and questions in a deposition in the New York lawsuit against Indyke and Kahn filed last year.

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

Due process of law, under Magna Charta;   principle may include immunity from self-incrimination.

From Popular Law-making by Stimson, Frederic Jesup