self-incriminate
|self-in-crim-i-nate|
C1
/sɛlf-ɪnˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt/
accuse oneself
Etymology
Etymology Information
'self-incriminate' originates from the combination of 'self' and 'incriminate,' where 'incriminate' comes from Latin 'incriminare,' meaning 'to accuse of a crime.'
Historical Evolution
'incriminare' transformed into the English word 'incriminate,' and eventually combined with 'self' to form 'self-incriminate.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to accuse oneself of a crime,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make oneself appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
He chose not to answer the question to avoid self-incriminating.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45