Incriminated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incriminated

[ษชnหˆkrษชmษชneษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

The term 'incriminated' refers to the act of making someone appear guilty of a crime. This can happen through evidence, testimony, or actions that suggest or imply a person's involvement in illegal activities. When an individual is incriminated, it often leads to a legal investigation or prosecution. The process can involve various forms of evidence, such as documents, witness statements, or digital records. Incrimination can occur during police interrogations or in court, where information is presented that links an individual to a crime.

Synonyms

accuse, charge, implicate, indict.

Examples of usage

  • The witness's testimony incriminated the defendant.
  • Her silence was interpreted as incriminating evidence.
  • Documents found at the scene incriminated several individuals.
  • The investigation ultimately incriminated him in the fraud scheme.

Translations

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Origin of 'incriminated'

The word 'incriminate' derives from the Latin 'incriminare', which means 'to accuse' or 'to charge with a crime'. This Latin term is formed from 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'crimen', which means 'accusation, crime'. Its usage in English began around the early 19th century, primarily in legal and criminal contexts. As legal systems evolved, so did the complexity of the term and its implications in both civil and criminal law. In current usage, to incriminate someone involves presenting evidence or assertions that suggest their involvement in unlawful activities, making its implications significant in legal proceedings.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,429 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.