Implicating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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implicating

[ɪmˈplɪkeɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Implicating refers to the act of showing or indicating that someone is involved in a crime or wrongdoing. It often involves providing evidence or information that links a person to an illegal activity. In legal terms, implicating can be crucial in investigations and trials, as it can lead to charges being filed against the implicated individual. The term broadly suggests involvement, but it does not necessarily equate to guilt.

Synonyms

entangling, incriminating, involving.

Examples of usage

  • The witness began implicating the suspect during the trial.
  • Evidence collected at the crime scene implicated several individuals.
  • His confession implicated his accomplices in the robbery.
  • The documents found were enough to implicate the company in fraud.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, implicating someone can lead to charges or accusations based on evidence.
  • The use of the term is crucial in court cases, as it affects the prosecution and defense strategies.
  • Evidence not only needs to be presented but must clearly implicate the accused for a conviction.

Psychology

  • Research suggests people often feel stress when implicated in a wrongdoing, even if innocent.
  • Social dynamics can shift dramatically when someone is implicated, affecting friendships and groups.
  • Guilt by association is a psychological phenomenon often related to implicating language.

Pop Culture

  • In crime dramas, the plot often revolves around finding who is implicating whom, adding suspense.
  • Songs and movies sometimes touch on themes of betrayal, where characters are implicated in scandals.
  • Reality shows often create drama by revealing who has implicated another contestant in a bad decision.

Literature

  • Classic novels often explore themes of guilt and implication, highlighting moral dilemmas faced by characters.
  • In detective fiction, the uncovering of who is implicating whom drives the narrative.
  • Poets sometimes use the theme of implication to discuss the complexities of human relationships and emotions.

Origin of 'implicating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to Latin 'implicare', meaning 'to fold in' or 'to involve'.
  • It combines 'in-' (into) and 'plicare' (to fold), signifying the idea of folding someone into a situation.
  • The term has evolved since the 17th century to encompass legal and moral implications.

The word 'implicate' originates from the Latin word 'implicare', which means 'to entwine or involve'. 'Implicare' is a combination of 'in-' meaning 'in' and 'plicare' meaning 'to fold'. It first began to be used in English in the early 17th century. Initially, it maintained a broader meaning, relating to being involved in various contexts, not solely legal ones. Over time, the legal connotation became more prominent, reflecting society's growing focus on law and order. The evolution of the term reflects a shift in language usage, where the language was increasingly used in legal contexts to signify the act of bringing someone into the fold of suspicion or guilt. Thus, implicating has come to play a significant role in both legal discourse and everyday communication regarding responsibility and involvement.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,535, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.