English vocabulary · C2
Incriminate
/ɪnˈkrɪmɪneɪt/ · v.
To incriminate someone is to show they may have done wrong. A thing they say or leave can make them seem guilty to other people.
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Example sentences
- I was incriminated by the ring.
- My red hands incriminate me.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- in — into (from Latin)
- crimin — blame (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- ACCUSE — say someone is guilty (Say someone did wrong)
- CHARGE — officially accuse of a crime (A formal claim)
- BLAME — hold someone responsible (Say who did wrong)
Words with the same root
crimin — blame
- criminal — a person who breaks the law
- recrimination — blame sent back
Lesson notes
To incriminate someone is to show they may have done wrong. A thing they say or leave can make them seem guilty to other people.
Related: accuse, charge, blame. Use incriminate when facts show guilt.
I was incriminated by the ring. My red hands incriminate me.
From Latin. in- means into. crimin- means blame. Into blame: your own red hands now incriminate you.