self-incrimination

noun

self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-in-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-incrimination (audio)
: 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 One concern over the criminal probe is that employees contacted by the Justice Department will hire lawyers and invoke their rights to avoid self-incrimination, slowing the work of safety regulators. Danny Lee, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 During his mother’s trial, Judge Matthews did not require him to do so because he was expected to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Jacey Fortin, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Bowles responded by invoking his client’s right against self-incrimination. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 17 Jan. 2024 Or consider the 80-year judicial consensus opposing incorporation of the privilege against self-incrimination against the states. Christian Schneider, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 Chesebro also refused to answer House questions based on his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2023 In his initial deposition before the attorney general, Trump invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to answer questions for fear of self-incrimination more than 400 times, using it for every question. Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023 Defendants have no constitutional right to a plea deal – in fact, plea deals require defendants to waive three key constitutional rights: the right to a jury trial, to confront witnesses and to avoid self-incrimination. Cynthia Alkon, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2023 The assault was tweeted, posted, and streamed by the rioters, who engaged in self-incrimination with a wink and a boast. Grace Segers, The New Republic, 10 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-incrimination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near self-incrimination

Cite this Entry

“Self-incrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-incrimination. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on self-incrimination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!