implicate

[im-pli-keyt]

verb (used with object)

implicated, implicating 

1. to show to be also involved, usually in an incriminating manner.

   to be implicated in a crime.

2. to imply as a necessary circumstance, or as something to be inferred or understood.

3. to connect or relate to intimately; affect as a consequence.

   The malfunctioning of one part of the nervous system implicates another part.

4. Archaic.,  to fold or twist together; intertwine; interlace.

implicate

/ ˈɪmplɪˌkeɪt, ɪmˈplɪkətɪv /

verb

1. to show to be involved, esp in a crime

2. to involve as a necessary inference; imply

   his protest implicated censure by the authorities

3. to affect intimately

   this news implicates my decision

4. rare,  to intertwine or entangle

Other Word Forms

• implicatively adverb
• implicative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of implicate¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin implicātus, past participle of implicāre “to interweave,” equivalent to im- im- ¹ + plicā(re) “to fold” + -ātus -ate ¹; ply ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of implicate¹

C16: from Latin implicāre to involve, from _im- + plicāre to fold

Synonym Study

See involve.

Example Sentences

The couple were among the most prominent figures implicated in the Varsity Blues college admission scandal in 2019.

From Los Angeles Times

He was a close ally of former President Jacob Zuma and was implicated in what is known in South Africa as the state capture inquiry, which looked into allegations of high-level corruption during Zuma's presidency.

From BBC

Some of them were also among 4,000 signatures on a letter calling for a boycott of Israeli production companies, festivals and broadcasters "that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people".

From BBC

The House Speaker, who has been implicated, has resigned, although he denies any wrongdoing.

From BBC

It comes after thousands of Hollywood industry professionals signed a pledge vowing not to work with Israeli film institutions that are "implicated in genocide".

From BBC

Related Words

• accuse 
• affect 
• blame 
• charge 
• cite 
• embroil 
• entangle 
• incriminate 
• suggest