incriminate

[in-krim-uh-neyt]

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.

incriminate

/ ɪnˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to imply or suggest the guilt or error of (someone)

2. to charge with a crime or fault

Other Word Forms

• incriminator noun
• incriminatory adjective
• incrimination noun
• nonincriminating adjective
• nonincrimination noun
• nonincriminatory adjective
• unincriminated adjective
• unincriminating 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

People he has grilled say that when he doesn’t get the answer he’s looking for, he has a Columbo-esque tendency to ask the same question in different ways in an attempt to elicit something incriminating.

From Los Angeles Times

He initially denied the drug charges but later changed his plea to guilty, fuelling speculation he had cut a deal with US authorities for a lesser sentence in exchange for incriminating information about Maduro.

From BBC

Frank, quite literally, cannot read a sign to save his life, incriminating himself in the film’s central mystery when he spots a bloody knife with a handwritten sign that says, “Pick me up.”

From Salon

But in a memo earlier this month, the justice department and FBI said there was no "incriminating" list.

From BBC

He claims to be in possession of secret documents that would incriminate Thaksin – documents he claims could even prove that he insulted the monarchy, an offence which comes with a hefty prison sentence in Thailand.

From BBC

Related Words

• implicate 
• indict 
• prosecute