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

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

In other words, the amendment establishes the constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 July 2026

The Fifth Amendment is a constitutional protection against self-incrimination during questioning by law enforcement authorities and Congress. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

During a recent Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 15 times when questioned by Committee Chairman Rand Paul about his handling of the pandemic. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 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