self-incrimination

noun

self-in·​crim·​i·​na·​tion ˌself-in-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce self-incrimination (audio)
Synonyms of self-incriminationnext
: 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.
While the target of a grand jury can endeavor to present witnesses, including themselves, that generally never happens because of the danger of self-incrimination. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026 That case was overturned in 2021 after the state Supreme Court vacated the sentence, finding he was denied protection against self-incrimination. — Lindsay Good, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026 The congresswoman declined to testify during Thursday’s ethics hearing, citing her 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination. — Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026 Besides, the cumulative effect of Molo’s sustained effort to demand Altman’s self-incrimination seemed to remind the courtroom that most of us, irrespective of our own faults, tend to think of ourselves as credible people doing our best. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 20 May 2026 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

Rhymes for self-incrimination

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Browse Nearby Words

self-incriminating
self-incrimination
self-induced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-incrimination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-incrimination. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for self-incrimination

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-incrimination

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