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incriminate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɪnˈkrɪmɪneɪt/

KK: /ɪnˈkrɪməˌneɪt/

transitive verb
Definition

To accuse someone of doing something wrong or illegal, making them seem guilty.


Example

The evidence presented in court was enough to incriminate the suspect.


Tense Forms

Past: incriminated

Past Participle: incriminated


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the case where they tried to incriminate him with false evidence?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s crazy how easily people can twist the truth.
Sloth A
Exactly! It's terrifying how someone could incriminate an innocent person.
Sloth B
I know, right? It really makes you think about justice.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
implicate
accuse
charge
Antonyms
absolve
exonerate
clear
Root Explanation

Incriminate → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into or upon) and "criminari" (meaning to accuse or charge). The word "incriminate" means to accuse someone or to make them appear guilty of a crime.

Memory Tip

Think of 'accusing someone' ('criminari') by putting the blame 'upon' them ('in-'). This helps you remember that to incriminate means to make someone look guilty.

Visually Confused Words
criminate
indiscriminate
discriminate
indiscriminated
recriminate
inverminate
interminate
inoriginate
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