implicate

[im-pli-keyt]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR implicate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), im·pli·cat·ed, im·pli·cat·ing.

to show to be also involved, usually in an incriminating manner: to be implicated in a crime.

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

to connect or relate to intimately; affect as a consequence: The malfunctioning of one part of the nervous system implicates another part.

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

Nearby words

Origin of implicate

1530–40; < Latin implicātus past participle of implicāre to interweave, equivalent to im- im-¹ + plicā(re) to ply² + -ātus -ate¹

SYNONYMS FOR implicate

1. See involve.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR implicate ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsun·im·pli·cat·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for implicate

Though there are many claims that implicate it in improved brain function, the evidence in support of this finding is tenuous.
Fish Oil, Turmeric, and Ginseng, Oh My! Are ‘Brain Foods’ B.S.?|Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD|October 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In Illinois, which houses some of the tougher DUI laws in the nation, even smoking a joint a week before can implicate you.
The Truth About Driving While Stoned|Abby Haglage|June 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Several lines of scientific evidence have begun to implicate genes that control dopamine.
Are We Killing Our Sports Gene?|David Epstein|August 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Pointing fingers, he stated “the people that I trusted to run it” are the ones to implicate.
Murdoch Hearing's 8 Best Moments||July 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST

The lawyers accuse Headley of lying to implicate Rana in order to save his wife as well as his own life.
Terrorism Trial's Unreliable Narrator|ProPublica|May 30, 2011|DAILY BEAST
His very look seems to implicate her, to drag her down with him to his level.
The Haunted Chamber|"The Duchess"
Maximin's informers seem to have contrived to implicate the good Christian Ambrose in some trouble.
The Catholic World; Vol. IV.; October, 1866, to March, 1867.|E. Rameur
It would be a dangerous document in case he should be searched; for its contents would expose him, and implicate others.
Down the Rhine|Oliver Optic
He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.
The Daffodil Mystery|Edgar Wallace
About the habits of this clerk, and his manner when examined, there was nothing which appeared in the least to implicate him.
Ten Years Among the Mail Bags|James Holbrook

British Dictionary definitions for implicate

implicate

verb (tr)

to show to be involved, esp in a crime

to involve as a necessary inference; implyhis protest implicated censure by the authorities

to affect intimatelythis news implicates my decision

rare to intertwine or entangle

Derived Formsimplicative (ɪmˈplɪkətɪv), adjectiveimplicatively, adverb

Word Origin for implicate

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for implicate

implicate

early 15c., "to convey in a fable;" c.1600, "intertwine, wreathe," from Latin implicatus, past participle of implicare "to involve, entwine" (see implication). Meaning "involve a person in a crime, charge, etc.," is from 1797. Related: Implicated; implicating.