self-incrimination

noun

self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-in-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən 

: 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

McDaniel invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when questioned during the hearing about information presented to the board during his time as the district's finance director. — CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

In July, Fauci repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a congressional hearing on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

The decision comes after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination during a hearing on the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026

Fauci did not answer questions, instead invoking his right against self-incrimination. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-incrimination

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

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