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

After Jackson had testy courtroom exchanges with the accuser and his parents, the accuser invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination to stop testifying, which made the case crumble. —Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025

Miranda warnings stem from a landmark case that established rules to safeguard against self-incrimination. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 15 Dec. 2025

Devastating Pyrotechnics owner Kenneth Chee invoked his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, and declined to answer questions posed by Cal-OSHA during an interview. —Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 9 Dec. 2025

Days after striking down the anti-sedition laws of 42 states in Pennsylvania v. Nelson, the Court barred investigators from intimidating witnesses relying on their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. —Time, 14 Nov. 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