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.
The decision comes after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination during a hearing on the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 The committee's party-line vote of 8-5 came after Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions at a hearing last week about his role in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and its origins. — Justin Gomez, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 But Heather invoked her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. — Nikki Battiste, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 Fauci did not answer questions, instead invoking his right against self-incrimination. — Emily R. Condon, USA Today, 2 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 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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