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

Mr. Smit set out before him the incriminating evidence he had found: two spoons and a piece of carrot on the stairs, pipe ashes in an “unoccupied” bedroom.

From Literature

Ryan's father told AFP in January that "no incriminating evidence has been presented" against his son.

From Barron's

It has also forced a gradual change in people’s behavior to align with the government’s goal of limiting the spread of incriminating information.

From The Wall Street Journal

I didn’t carry incriminating evidence around under the insole of my right shoe.

From Literature

It said it also took into account "the public discussion on social media, which was incriminating for the defendant".

From BBC

Related Words

• implicate
• indict
• prosecute