Incriminate

Verb

Definition: To make (someone) appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.

Synonyms: Implicate, Accuse, Condemn

Antonyms: Exonerate, Clear, Absolve

Examples:

The evidence was used to incriminate the suspect.
The witness's testimony could potentially incriminate the defendant.

Mnemonics:

Think of "in" meaning "into" and "crime" to remember that incriminate is about making someone appear guilty of a crime.
Incriminate sounds like "in creating" guilt for someone.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "incriminate" comes from the Latin word "incriminare" which means "to accuse."

Historical Usage:

The term has been used in legal contexts since at least the mid-17th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Self-incrimination"

Explanation:

Refers to the act of implicating oneself in a crime or wrongdoing, often in a legal context where individuals have the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "incriminate" with "accuse."

Explanation:

While both words are related to accusing someone, "incriminate" specifically refers to making someone appear guilty of a crime, while "accuse" simply means to charge or blame someone without necessarily implying guilt.