implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

transitive verb

1

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

2

: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : imply

3

archaic : to fold or twist together : entwine

Synonyms

• enlace
• entwine
• interlace
• intertwine
• intertwist
• interweave
• inweave
• lace
• ply
• twist
• weave
• wreathe
• writhe

Examples of implicate in a Sentence

His business partner was implicated in the theft.

the implicated vines did form a most restful garden bower

Recent Examples on the Web

However, in 2020, FirstEnergy was embroiled in a bribery scandal that implicated several members of the Ohio’s House of Representatives. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2024

The defense argued that police had not only rushed to judgment, but lied and planted evidence implicating the three. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024

Similar processes might underlie the development of protein aggregates tied to other neurodegenerative disorders, such as the amyloid fibrils found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease or the synuclein protein deposits implicated in Parkinson’s disease. —Trevor Grandpre, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2024

In Michigan alone, cybersecurity breaches have affected millions of people, including those implicated in the following incidents: McLaren Health Care was hit by cybercriminals in August, disrupting the entire 13-hospital system, which includes the Karmanos Cancer Institute. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English implicaten "to convey (a truth) in a fable," borrowed from Latin implicātus, past participle of implicāre "to fold about itself, entwine, entangle, involve, embroil" (Medieval Latin also, "to imply, mean by implication"), from im- im- + plicāre "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3

Note: See also imply, employ entry 1.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

: to show to be connected or involved

evidence that implicates him in the robbery

Legal Definition

implicate

transitive verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

1

: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference

firing the federal employee because of her protest implicates the First Amendment

2

: to connect to a crime