Meaning & Definition of word "Incriminate"
to
Incriminate
/ɪnˈkrɪmɪneɪt/
verb:
- 1. To charge someone with a crime or to involve them in a crime.
- Example: The evidence presented at the trial was sufficient to incriminate the suspect.
- 2. To suggest that someone has committed a crime.
- Example: Her testimony could potentially incriminate her accomplices.
- 3. To imply guilt or responsibility for a wrongdoing.
- Example: He was worried that the documents would incriminate him in the fraud scheme.
- 4. To cause (someone) to appear guilty of a crime.
- Example: The investigation aimed to gather facts that would not incriminate innocent people.
Etymology
The word 'incriminate' comes from the Latin 'incriminare', meaning 'to accuse or blame'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
self-incrimination:
The act of implicating oneself in a crime or wrongdoing.
to incriminate oneself:
To provide evidence or testimony that makes oneself appear guilty.
Related Words
implicate:
to show that someone is involved in a crime.
charge:
to formally accuse someone of a crime.
Slang Meanings of incriminate
Meaning: Getting someone in trouble.
Example Sentence: Don't incriminate me by telling the cops I was there.
Meaning: Throwing someone under the bus.
Example Sentence: He totally incriminated his buddy to save himself.