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self-incrimination
[ self-in-krim-uh-ney-shuhn, self- ]
/ ˈsɛlf ɪnˌkrɪm əˈneɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /
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noun
the act of incriminating oneself or exposing oneself to prosecution, especially by giving evidence or testimony.
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Origin of self-incrimination
First recorded in 1920–25
Words nearby self-incrimination
self-imposed, self-improvement, self-inclusive, self-incompatible, self-incriminating, self-incrimination, self-induced, self-inductance, self-induction, self-indulgent, self-inflicted
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use self-incrimination in a sentence
Cultural definitions for self-incrimination
self-incrimination
Being forced or coerced to testify against oneself. Self-incrimination is prohibited by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
notes for self-incrimination
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.
notes for self-incrimination
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.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.