Main Entry: im·pli·cate

Pronunciation: \ˈim-plə-ˌkāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): im·pli·cat·ed; im·pli·cat·ing

Etymology: Middle English, to convey by implication, from Medieval Latin implicatus, past participle of implicare, from Latin, to entwine, involve — more at employ

Date: 15th century

1 : to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : imply
2 archaic : to fold or twist together : entwine
3 a : to bring into intimate or incriminating connection <evidence that implicates him in the bombing> b : to involve in the nature or operation of something