incriminating
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪnˈkrɪməneɪtɪŋ/
KK: /ɪnˈkrɪməˌneɪtɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing or showing that someone has done something wrong or illegal.
Example
The evidence presented in court was incriminating and led to the defendant's conviction.
Conversation
Did you hear about the case that just came out in the news?
Yeah, I did! The evidence seems really incriminating.
It's crazy how quickly things can escalate in situations like that.
For sure, one wrong move and everything can look so bad.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
damning
accusatory
compromising
Antonyms
exonerating
absolving
innocent
verb
Definition
To make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
Example
The evidence was incriminating, leading the jury to believe he was guilty.
Tense Forms
Past: incriminated
Past Participle: incriminated
Conversation
Did you hear about the news story where they found incriminating evidence?
Yeah, it sounds pretty serious!
I wonder how they even got that kind of information.
Root Explanation
Incriminating → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into or upon) and "criminare" (meaning to accuse or charge with a crime). The word "incriminating" refers to the act of making someone appear guilty or charging them with a crime.
Memory Tip
Think of 'accusing someone' ('criminare') by putting the blame 'upon' them ('in-') — that's what incriminating means.
Visually Confused Words
indiscriminating
discriminating
indiscriminatingly
crimination
undiscriminating
indiscrimination
discriminatingly
discrimination