implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

transitive verb

1

a

: to bring into intimate or incriminating connection

evidence that implicates him in the bombing

b

: to involve in the nature or operation of something

2

: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference : imply

3

archaic : to fold or twist together : entwine

Synonyms

• enlace
• entwine
• interlace
• intertwine
• intertwist
• interweave
• inweave
• lace
• ply
• twist
• weave
• wreathe
• writhe

Examples of implicate in a Sentence

His business partner was implicated in the theft.

the implicated vines did form a most restful garden bower

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2023 alone, over 1,000 lives were lost to overdoses, with fentanyl implicated in most cases — underscoring the urgent need for bold, compassionate solutions to save lives and rebuild communities. —Pradeep Thomas, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2025

Shortly after President pardoned two Washington, D.C. police officers, a 20-year-old Black man, questions swirled about whether Trump would pardon other officials implicated in high-profile cases of violence against African Americans. —Jesus Mesa, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

They have been implicated in actively conspiring to violently overtake the Capitol and attack police officers. —Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025

The court also held that the Dormant Commerce Clause was not implicated because the statute treats all in-state and out-of-state parties equally and neither burdens interstate commerce nor favors local business. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English implicaten "to convey (a truth) in a fable," borrowed from Latin implicātus, past participle of implicāre "to fold about itself, entwine, entangle, involve, embroil" (Medieval Latin also, "to imply, mean by implication"), from im- im- + plicāre "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3

Note: See also imply, employ entry 1.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

implicate

verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

: to show to be connected or involved

evidence that implicates him in the robbery

Legal Definition

implicate

transitive verb

im·​pli·​cate ˈim-plə-ˌkāt 

implicated; implicating

1

: to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference

firing the federal employee because of her protest implicates the First Amendment

2

: to connect to a crime