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

While the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) believes Face ID or fingerprints to lock devices should be protected under the Fifth Amendment, which protects against self-incrimination, some courts have ruled otherwise. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 16 May 2025

The Fifth Amendment guarantees the right of all individuals against self-incrimination. —Rose Cuison-Villazor, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025

Patel was subpoenaed to provide testimony in the special counsel investigation into Trump and was granted immunity after pleading his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination to many of the questions. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 30 Jan. 2025

Richards suggested that Halloran may decline to testify in Ward’s case by invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025

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