incriminate

[ in-krim-uh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·crim·i·nat·ed, in·crim·i·nat·ing.

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.

incriminate

/ ɪnˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to imply or suggest the guilt or error of (someone)
2. to charge with a crime or fault

Derived Forms

• inˈcrimiˌnator, noun
• inˈcriminatory, adjective
• inˌcrimiˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• in·crimi·nation noun
• in·crimi·nator noun
• in·crim·i·na·to·ry [in-, krim, -, uh, -n, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• nonin·crimi·nating adjective
• nonin·crimi·nation noun
• nonin·crimi·na·tory adjective
• unin·crimi·nated adjective
• unin·crimi·nating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incriminate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of incriminate¹

C18: from Late Latin incrīmināre to accuse, from Latin crīmen accusation; see crime

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Trump’s pardons of multiple figures who could incriminate him criminally or merely for political corruption are going unmentioned.

From Salon

In 2010, a leaked company memo seemed to incriminate Ms. McMahon for tipping off a doctor about a federal investigation into his alleged distribution of steroids to wrestlers.

From Salon

But Agnes is especially lethal in a scene where she simply pulls up an incriminating file on her computer, leaves it onscreen and silently darts out so Lawrence can peer at it.

From Salon

Messages and images on Snapchat disappear after 24 hours - making incriminating behaviour harder to track - and senders also know if the recipient has screengrabbed a message.

From BBC

Yet lurking behind the smiling face are sinister intentions to radicalise, incriminate and profit from his willing students.

From BBC

Related Words

• implicate
• indict
• prosecute