self-incrimination

[ self-in-krim-uh-ney-shuhn, self- ]

/ ˈsɛlf ɪnˌkrɪm əˈneɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

Save This Word!

noun

the act of incriminating oneself or exposing oneself to prosecution, especially by giving evidence or testimony.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

The Fifth Amendment most famously protects against self-incrimination.
There Are No ‘Absolute’ Rights|Michael Tomasky|May 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Bbrarkk Jjoknyyegg Kekeke immediately took refuge in refusal to answer on grounds of self-incrimination.
Lone Star Planet|Henry Beam Piper and John Joseph McGuire
So was another principal witness, who, however, might decline to testify because of the danger of self-incrimination.
Under Fire|Charles King
It is what the lawyers would describe as the most conspicuous instance of self-incrimination on record.
The Bible Unveiled|M. M. Mangasarian

In flying from Jane he fled from the self-incrimination she planted in him.
The Jack-Knife Man|Ellis Parker Butler
A man could not refuse to answer on the grounds of self-incrimination.
Our Legal Heritage, 5th Ed.|S. A. Reilly

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.)