From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of convict
see 2convict
Other Legal Terms
Definition of convict
transitive verb
1 : to find or prove to be guilty The jury convicted them of fraud.
2 : to convince of error or sinfulness
intransitive verb
: to find a defendant guilty Remarkably, two of the jurors boldly dug in their heels and pressed to convict. — John Grisham
Examples of convict in a Sentence
There is sufficient evidence to convict.
He was convicted in federal court.
The jury convicted them on three counts of fraud.
Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
Origin and Etymology of convict
Middle English, from Anglo-French convicter, from Latin convictus, past participle of convincere to refute, convict
Definition of convict
1 : a person convicted of and under sentence for a crime
2 : a person serving a usually long prison sentence
Examples of convict in a Sentence
a warning that the three escaped convicts were armed and dangerous
Origin and Etymology of convict
see 2convict
Other Legal Terms
CONVICT Defined for English Language Learners
convict
playDefinition of convict for English Language Learners
-
law : to prove that someone is guilty of a crime in a court of law
convict
playDefinition of convict for English Language Learners
-
: a person who has been found guilty of a crime and sent to prison
CONVICT Defined for Kids
Definition of convict for Students
convicted
;convicting
: to prove or find guilty
Definition of convict for Students
: a person serving a prison sentence
Law Dictionary
Origin and Etymology of convict
Latin convictus past participle of convincere to find guilty, prove, from com- with, together + vincer to conquer
Legal Definition of convict
: a person convicted of and serving a sentence for a crime
Learn More about convict
-
See words that rhyme with convict Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for convict Spanish Central: Translation of convict Nglish: Translation of convict for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of convict for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up convict? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!