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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
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.
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 His public defender said at the court appearance that Edge intends to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Phil Helsel, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2025 People have the right against self-incrimination and cannot be imprisoned without due process of law (fair procedures and trials). Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Sep. 2025 The Fifth Amendment prevents self-incrimination. Joel Thayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025 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 2 Dec. 2025.

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

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