self-incrimination

noun

self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-in-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-incrimination (audio)
Synonyms of self-incriminationnext
: incrimination of oneself
specifically : the giving of testimony which will likely subject one to criminal prosecution

Examples of self-incrimination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During a break after two hours of questioning, Democratic lawmakers said that Bill Clinton had tried to answer every question and had not invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Stephen Groves, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 While the target of a grand jury can endeavor to present witnesses, including themselves, that generally never happens because of the danger of self-incrimination. John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026 The sorting of documents came as Epstein’s former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination while testifying virtually before the House Oversight Committee. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for conspiring with Epstein, appeared virtually before the panel on Monday and invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Alexei Koseff, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for self-incrimination

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-incrimination was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Self-incrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-incrimination. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-incrimination

noun
self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion
ˌsel-fin-ˌkrim-ə-ˈnā-shən
: incrimination of oneself
especially : the giving of evidence or answering of questions which would leave one liable to be tried for a crime

Legal Definition

self-incrimination

noun
self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion
ˌself-in-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən
: incrimination of and by oneself especially through testimony see also privilege against self-incrimination at privilege

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